There has been speculation about a foldable iPhone for years. While Samsung, Google and other manufacturers have already brought corresponding devices onto the market, Apple is still keeping quiet. But new reports, leaks and patent applications keep cropping up that indicate that an iPhone Fold is in development. The question is no longer whether Apple will release such a device, but when and in what form. Current rumors suggest that it could happen in the coming years. Details about possible technical specifications and design decisions are already making the rounds.
Apple is known for only bringing new technologies to market when they are fully developed. It is therefore not surprising that the company is taking its time with a foldable smartphone. While competitors have already released several generations of their foldables, Apple is apparently working in the background to develop a mature version of this technology. There are many unanswered questions: When could the iPhone Fold be released? Which display technology will be used? Will Apple be able to solve the known problems of foldable smartphones? A look at the current leaks and analyses gives an idea of what to expect.
Possible release date
Apple itself has not given an official release date for the iPhone Fold. However, analysts and insiders have made different predictions. In 2021, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted a release in 2024. This estimate has turned out to be too optimistic. More recent reports suggest that Apple could present a foldable iPhone in 2026 or 2027 at the earliest. A leaker claimed in February 2025 that production could possibly begin in early 2026. This would indicate a release in late 2026. A report from ETNews from the same month, however, speaks of production starting in the second half of 2025 and a possible market launch in late 2026. Since Apple usually plans a long development time for new device categories, a release before 2026 is rather unlikely. Ultimately, however, it remains speculation, as Apple keeps its plans under wraps.
display technology and screen size
The heart of a foldable iPhone would be a flexible display. There are indications that Apple is working with LG Display and Samsung Display on a solution. Current reports suggest that the iPhone Fold will have two screens. The outer screen is said to be 5.49 inches in size and will make the device usable like a normal smartphone when closed. When opened, a larger screen with a diagonal of 7.74 inches could unfold. As early as 2022, there were indications that Apple was working on a technology that uses hybrid OLED panels with a combination of glass and flexible plastic substrates. This design could make the bending point more stable and prevent visible creases from forming over time. A report from February 2025 suggests that Apple is working on avoiding the typical kinking of foldable displays. However, how exactly this will be solved is still unclear.
folding mechanism and design
A key problem with foldable smartphones is the mechanical stress caused by constant opening and closing. Apple needs to ensure that the hinge is robust enough to withstand years of use without visible wear. There are several possible approaches to the design of the iPhone Fold. One concept is for the display to fold outwards so that it always remains visible. Another possibility would be an inward fold, where the display remains protected when the device is closed. Apple has reportedly already tested various hinge mechanisms to find the most durable solution possible. Some patents suggest that the company has developed a technique that provides additional support to the display at the fold point to reduce stress.
Technical specifications and hardware
Since the iPhone Fold has not yet been officially announced, there is no confirmed information about the technical specifications. Nevertheless, there are initial rumors about possible components. A leak from February 2025 suggests that the iPhone Fold could be equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery. There is also talk of a new front camera with ultra-thin "Meta Lens" technology and a main camera with wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lenses. In terms of thickness, it is speculated that the iPhone Fold could be 4.6 mm thin when opened and about 9.2 mm when folded. This would make it thinner than the current iPad Pro with M4 chip. However, these details should be treated with caution as there are no reliable sources to confirm this information yet.
iPhone Fold or a foldable iPad?
One of the biggest questions is whether Apple is actually planning a foldable iPhone or whether it could be more of a foldable iPad. Samsung predicted that Apple's first foldable will be a tablet in 2024. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also predicted that a foldable iPad could appear sooner than a foldable iPhone. Since the previously speculated display sizes of the iPhone Fold are close to the screen size of an iPad mini, Apple could try to create a new product category with a hybrid device that is a smartphone and a tablet.
How realistic are the current rumors?
Rumors about new Apple products are often unreliable. Many leaks are based on early stages of development, where a lot can still change. Apple regularly tests various prototypes, many of which never go into production. There are some credible sources that suggest that Apple is working on a foldable device. However, there is no concrete evidence so far that it will come to market any time soon. The technology for foldable smartphones is not yet perfect, and Apple will not release such a device until it meets its own quality standards. Another point to consider is Apple's production planning. The company usually takes around two years to develop new iPhone generations and put them into mass production. So if Apple is indeed working on a foldable iPhone, it could take until 2027 or later for it to be ready for market.
iPhone Fold: Why Apple is taking its time with the release
The iPhone Fold remains a product of the rumor mill for now. While there are numerous indications that Apple is working on a foldable device, a concrete release date is not in sight. Current reporting suggests that Apple is taking its time to solve the problems of foldable smartphones. In particular, the challenges of display durability and the folding mechanism must first be overcome before a foldable iPhone can hit the market. Whether it will be released in 2026, 2027 or even later remains uncertain. Until then, it remains to be seen what new information will come to light in the coming months. Discover the latest accessories in our Amazon Storefront – also for HomeKit. (Photo by artmagination / Bigstockphoto)
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