Apple’s foldable iPhone is taking shape as leaked market studies show user interest rising. Early specs hint at a book-style design, top-tier chipset and a luxury pricing model. The iPhone Fold could become Apple’s next breakthrough device. According to new leaks, Apple may launch it alongside the iPhone 18 series in fall 2026.  

Current rumours suggest the company is preparing the most radical hardware shift yet. Apple is set to introduce three major upgrades with its first foldable: an under-display inner camera, a crease-free main screen, and the largest battery ever seen in an iPhone, as per the leaks. 

Expected Features in the Foldable iPhone  

Camera 

The leaks suggest that Apple may use a 24MP camera under the inner display. This would be a first for the industry because most current foldable phones use low-resolution under-screen cameras. 

 Apple is believed to have worked on improving how much light passes through the screen. This could lead to clearer photos and videos from this hidden camera. 

Display  

Reports claim that Apple has focused on the hinge and screen design to remove the crease that appears on most foldable phones.  

Most of the Android foldables show a visible line where the screen bends. Industry sources say that the company has tested several prototypes to solve this long-standing issue. If the final product removes the crease, it could give Apple a clear advantage over available models. 

Battery 

A famous analyst for Ming Chi Kuo revealed that Apple may use high-density battery cells in the foldable iPhone. Several leaks from Korea and China also point to Apple testing batteries larger than 5,000 mAh. If the final capacity crosses this figure, it will become the largest battery ever used in an iPhone.  

Design  

The foldable iPhone is said to feature a 7.8-inch main display when opened, and a 5.5-inch cover screen for regular use. Leaks also suggest the presence of Touch ID, a hole-punch front camera, and a dual 48MP rear camera setup. 

The iPhone Air is created employing a titanium frame, unlike all the iPhones current models, which make use of aluminum. But the iPhone Fold might be another exception, as speculations indicate that it will be built with both titanium and aluminum. 

As per the foldable’s dual-display demands, Apple may have a A20 Pro customized chipset, stabilizing performance for multitasking, split-screen, and efficient battery. 

The foldable model is expected to avoid Face ID due to space constraints in a thin chassis. Apple might reintroduce Touch ID fingerprint authentication via a side-mounted sensor on the power button, which is like the iPad Air. This avoids needing two Face ID modules for the two screens 
 
Price  

Industry experts believe that the iPhone Fold could become Apple’s most expensive smartphone ever. Early predictions reveal a U.S. price of about $2,400, which is well above the current iPhone Pro lineup. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also predicts the price to be around $2,000. 

The device may be priced near Rs 2,15,000 in India. The premium cost is attributed to its big foldable display, complex folding technology, and high-end camera system. 

If Apple decides to launch its first foldable at over $2,000, the company should keep in mind that Samsung offers 1TB of storage at this price point.  

The Galaxy Z Fold 7, the company’s best foldable in the market, offers 1TB of storage for a marked price of $2,419.99 (currently retailing for $2,019.99). 

Foldable Smartphone Market 

Brands like Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, Huawei, and Xiaomi have already launched foldable phones. Samsung leads the market with about 34% share of global foldable shipments in 2024. Its Galaxy Z Fold series is now on its 7th generation.  

Google entered with the Pixel Fold in 2023, and OnePlus launched the Open in 2023. Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Motorola companies also offer various foldables. This highlights that Apple is arriving late to a field of rivals. 

Final Thoughts 

Most foldable rumours point to the September 2026 launch of the iPhone Fold, presumably as part of the same event that introduces the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.  

Early research notes suggest Apple is treating the Apple iPhone Fold as an ultra‑premium flagship, positioning it above even the Pro Max range. That strategy could allow Apple to test cutting‑edge features while keeping volumes relatively limited in the first generation. 

The Apple iPhone Fold is shaping up as a showcase for Apple’s hardware ambitions. It combines a crease‑free display, an under‑display camera, and a record‑breaking battery into a single ultra‑premium device.  

Experts forecast that Apple’s foldable could redefine the foldable category. It may provide new software experiences tailored to large screens and validate foldables as a mainstream device. The big question is whether Apple’s loyal base and curious early adopters will embrace this bold new form factor in 2026.