iPhone Fold: External display with hole-punch camera planned Apfelpatient

Apple is apparently working hard on a foldable iPhone. New leaks from the supply chain provide a closer look at technical details, the display design, the cameras, and the possible launch timeline.

There are now several foldable smartphones: Samsung with the Galaxy Z Fold, Google with the Pixel Fold, Huawei with the Mate X. Apple has taken its time with this. Now, there are increasing indications that the Cupertino-based company is working on its own foldable model – and it is apparently already in an advanced development phase. The information comes from sources including Digital Chat Station, a well-known leaker from China, and analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu.

design and display

The iPhone Fold will be a book-sized device. It will feature two screens: a foldable 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. The inner display will have an aspect ratio of 14.1:1 and will be equipped with a camera installed under the display – meaning it will be invisible during normal use. The outer display will have a 14.6:1 aspect ratio and will feature a punch-hole camera. According to an earlier leak by yeux1122 on the Korean blog Naver, Apple deliberately chose this camera arrangement to allow for the simplest possible exterior design. The appearance will be strongly reminiscent of existing foldables, in particular Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It is currently unclear whether the punch-hole camera will be permanently visible in the outer display or visually concealed in a dynamic island-like solution.

camera and authentication

The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a dual rear camera. It will also feature a front-facing camera that can be used both when the phone is closed and opened. This allows you to take selfies or make video calls in any situation. An important detail is the integration of Touch ID into the side button. Face ID appears to be absent from the iPhone Fold, presumably due to space constraints and the very thin display bezels.

Technical prototype and development

Digital Chat Station reports that a new prototype is already in circulation. Compared to the previous device, the new model is slightly smaller but has the same resolution and aspect ratio. These statements come from an automatic translation of the Weibo post, but are consistent with other leaks. The NPI (New Product Introduction) process at Foxconn, Apple's main production partner, is said to have already begun. According to analyst Jeff Pu, this is an indication that the most important hardware components have already been determined. Ming-Chi Kuo adds that Apple will define the final specifications in the second quarter of 2025 (between April and June). Things may still change until then, but the framework seems clear.

Market launch and price

According to current information, mass production of the iPhone Fold is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. Sales are expected to begin in late 2026—a lead time is not unusual for a novel device like this. The iPhone Fold is expected to be priced between $2,000 and $2,300. This puts it at the high end of the market, on par with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Google's Pixel Fold.

Foldable iPhone with a clear strategy and Apple DNA

The iPhone Fold is no longer a rumor, but a concrete project with solid details. The information available so far points to a high-quality, technically sophisticated device that adheres to existing foldable standards but incorporates typical Apple design decisions – such as Touch ID in the side button or the camera under the display. Whether the iPhone Fold can hold its own against the competition remains to be seen after its market launch. But one thing is clear: Apple is serious about entering the foldable smartphone category. (Image: Shutterstock / Erik Geiger GG)