iPhone Fold: Everything We Know About Apple’s First Foldable iPhone

After years of speculation, Apple appears to be closer than ever to launching its first foldable smartphone. According to the latest roundup from MacRumors, the device—commonly referred to as the iPhone Fold—is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September 2026, although Apple has not officially confirmed the product or its final name. (MacRumors)

If the rumors prove accurate, the iPhone Fold could represent one of the biggest design changes in iPhone history, combining the portability of an iPhone with the productivity of an iPad.

Book-Style Folding Design

Unlike flip phones that fold vertically, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to use a book-style folding design, similar to other premium foldables. When folded, it is rumored to feature a 5.5-inch outer display for everyday tasks. Opening the device reveals a much larger 7.8-inch OLED display, offering an experience close to the iPad mini. (MacRumors)

The larger display is also expected to feature a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it better suited for multitasking, reading, watching videos, and productivity.

Ultra-Thin and Premium Build

Apple is reportedly designing the iPhone Fold to be one of its thinnest devices ever. Rumors suggest the phone could measure approximately 4.5mm thick when unfolded and around 9–9.5mm when folded. To maintain durability despite its slim profile, Apple is expected to use a combination of titanium and aluminum in the chassis. (MacRumors)

The hinge has reportedly been engineered to withstand years of folding while maintaining a premium feel.

Nearly Invisible Display Crease

One of the biggest criticisms of current foldable phones is the visible crease in the middle of the display. Apple has reportedly spent years solving this issue.

According to supply chain reports, the company has developed new display technologies, structural glass, and advanced adhesive materials to make the crease almost invisible. If successful, the iPhone Fold could deliver one of the smoothest folding displays on the market. (MacRumors)

Touch ID Returns

One surprising rumor is the return of Touch ID.

Because of the phone’s extremely thin design, Apple may remove Face ID and instead integrate a fingerprint scanner into the power button, similar to recent iPad models. This change would help save internal space while maintaining secure biometric authentication. (MacRumors)

Performance and Hardware

The foldable iPhone is expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 chip, reportedly built using TSMC’s advanced 2nm manufacturing process.

Expected hardware specifications include:

• A20 processor
• 12GB RAM
• Improved thermal management
• Vapor chamber cooling
• Enhanced Apple Intelligence performance

These upgrades could make the iPhone Fold one of Apple’s fastest smartphones to date. (MacRumors)

Camera System

To accommodate the ultra-thin body, Apple may simplify the camera setup compared to its Pro models.

Current rumors suggest:

• Dual rear cameras
• Wide camera
• Ultra Wide camera
• No dedicated Telephoto lens

While this may disappoint photography enthusiasts, Apple is expected to rely heavily on computational photography to maintain excellent image quality. (MacRumors)

iOS Optimized for Foldables

Apple is also preparing software enhancements specifically for foldable devices.

The foldable iPhone is expected to introduce:

• Split-screen multitasking
• Side-by-side apps
• New sidebar layouts
• Fold-aware interface elements
• APIs for developers to optimize apps for larger displays

Rather than running iPadOS, the device will continue using iOS with several tablet-inspired features designed for the larger screen. (MacRumors)

Expected Price

The iPhone Fold is unlikely to be inexpensive.

Analysts estimate a starting price between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever. Storage options are rumored to include:

• 256GB
• 512GB
• 1TB

Premium materials, complex engineering, and limited production are expected to contribute to the high price tag. (MacRumors)

Release Date

Current reports suggest Apple plans to announce the foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026. However, some analysts believe limited production capacity could delay widespread availability until later in the year or even into early 2027. (MacRumors)

Final Thoughts

The iPhone Fold has the potential to become one of Apple’s most significant product launches in years. With a large foldable display, premium titanium construction, nearly crease-free screen, next-generation A20 processor, and foldable-focused iOS features, Apple appears focused on delivering a polished experience rather than rushing into the market.

While many details remain rumors until Apple makes an official announcement, the latest reports suggest the company is aiming to redefine the foldable smartphone category with a device that blends the best of the iPhone and iPad. If Apple meets these expectations, the iPhone Fold could become one of the most talked-about smartphones of 2026. (MacRumors)