According to several well-connected analysts and journalists, Apple is working on a foldable iPhone. The name hasn't been officially announced yet, but the rumor mill has long since dubbed it the "iPhone Fold." The market launch is currently expected for 2026. Even though Apple is late to the game, the company could—as it has often done—convince customers with a more mature product. Two aspects are expected to clearly differentiate the device from the competition.
There are now several foldable smartphones. Samsung, Huawei, and other manufacturers have several models on the market. Apple hasn't yet entered this market, which has surprised many. But as with the Apple Watch or the iPad, Apple often follows a different strategy: not to be the first, but to impress with a more sophisticated device. It's now considered a certainty that Apple is working on a foldable device – and some details have already leaked out.
Almost invisible crease in the display
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, one of the biggest differences from previous foldables will be the display. In his Power On newsletter, he reports that Apple places particular emphasis on a seamless viewing experience. When unfolded, the crease in the display should be barely visible—an advantage that no other manufacturer has been able to truly solve so far. The foldable interior display is expected to be between 7.8 and 8 inches in size. This would make it almost tablet-sized to fit in your pocket, without the typical crease that is clearly noticeable and visible on many devices.
New hinge design made of titanium and stainless steel
The second major advantage concerns the hinge. Here, too, according to Gurman, Apple is focusing on quality – with a "much higher-quality" mechanism compared to the competition. Well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo provides more details. He reports that the hinge will use a combination of titanium and stainless steel. This promises greater stability and durability – two weak points of many current foldables.
Technical equipment: What's inside
In addition to the display and hinge, there is further information about the iPhone Fold's features:
- 7.8-inch interior display
- 5.5-inch external display for operation when folded
- Two rear cameras on the back
- Front camera on the inside
- Touch ID in the power button instead of Face ID – possibly to save space on the display
- High-density battery for longer runtime
- When unfolded, the device should be only 4.5 mm thin, and when folded between 9 and 9.5 mm
These values suggest that Apple is focusing on both a sleek design and practical usability. The switch from Face ID to Touch ID could be a conscious decision to avoid complex sensor technology in the display of a foldable device (via Bloomberg).
iPhone Fold: Apple's answer to the trend
The iPhone Fold hasn't been officially announced yet, but the evidence is mounting. If the information so far is correct, Apple will enter the foldable market with a sophisticated design and high-quality materials. The almost invisible display crease and the sturdy hinge, in particular, could set the device apart from other foldable smartphones. Anyone considering switching to a foldable device could find the iPhone Fold a serious candidate – provided Apple stays true to its quality standards. It will remain exciting until the release, but the direction is clear: Apple doesn't just want to follow suit; it wants to set the standard. (Image: Shutterstock / tinhkhuong)
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