What do we know about foldable iPhones?

After years of development, a foldable iPhone is likely to launch later this year with several noteworthy technologies.

The 3D print of the iPhone Fold is based on rumors. Photo: MacRumors .

Although Apple hasn't officially confirmed it, rumors suggest that a foldable iPhone (tentatively called the iPhone Fold) will launch later this year. Information about its design, screen technology, and price is gradually being revealed.

In fact, foldable smartphones aren't entirely new, with several manufacturers having already launched multiple generations. However, rumors suggest the iPhone Fold may possess many new technologies, helping Apple differentiate itself from competitors like Samsung and Google.

According to analysts, Apple's launch of the iPhone Fold is also a positive sign, helping to boost the foldable smartphone market. These are some of the exciting details to look forward to on the device based on rumors.

Familiar design

According to Engadget , rumors about the iPhone Fold have been circulating since 2017. After almost 10 years, most sources indicate that the device is ready to launch later this year alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.

The above schedule has been confirmed by Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Of course, the device still faces the possibility of a launch delay if it encounters problems during production or if its durability is not up to par.

Based on rumors, the iPhone Fold may feature a book-like folding screen, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold. With this design, the product would function as a regular smartphone when folded and transform into a small tablet when unfolded.

The expected screen size of the iPhone Fold is 7.7-7.8 inches (when unfolded) and 5.5 inches (when folded). This is slightly smaller than the iPad mini (8.3 inches) and the internal screen of the Galaxy Z Fold7 (8 inches).

The expected design of the iPhone Fold (left) compared to the Google Pixel Fold. Photo: MacRumors .

Next, a series of CAD renderings and case manufacturing molds showed that when folded, the iPhone Fold is shorter and wider than standard iPhones, resulting in a more square screen aspect ratio.

When Apple launched the iPhone Air, many rumors compared it to a "draft" of the iPhone Fold. According to analyst Mark Gurman, users can imagine the iPhone Fold as two iPhone Airs placed side-by-side. The key difference lies in the hinge, which allows the device to open into a single large screen instead of being made up of two separate panels.

If the rumors are accurate, the thickness of the unfolded iPhone Fold will be between 4.5-5.6 mm (similar to the iPhone Air), and around 9-11 mm when folded, depending on the hinge design and the arrangement of internal components.

Special screen and hinge

Screen durability remains a major challenge in the development of foldable smartphones. Many rumors suggest that the iPhone Fold's screen will be primarily supplied by Samsung Display.

At CES 2026, Samsung Display showcased a prototype of a foldable OLED panel with no creases. Several sources, including Bloomberg , suggest that the iPhone Fold may use similar technology.

The most striking feature of the prototype lies in its ability to almost completely eliminate the crease when the screen is opened. In the recorded images and videos , the fold in the center is barely noticeable, even "disappearing" when viewed directly. This is a significant improvement over current foldable panels, which often reveal quite noticeable creases after prolonged use.

iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro. Photo: Engadget .

According to sources, Apple does not accept the appearance of a noticeable crease in the middle of the screen when fully unfolded. The company has requested Samsung to develop a display panel that does not reveal this crease. This is a major challenge because even foldable smartphones manufactured by Samsung have not been able to completely solve the problem.

Apple may also use a "supermaterial" called Liquidmetal for the hinge of the iPhone Fold. This material has previously appeared in some small components such as SIM ejector pins, and Apple acquired an exclusive license to use it in 2010.

If it appears on the iPhone Fold, this would be the first time Liquidmetal has been used on a large scale. This material is said to be more durable and resistant to deformation than titanium while remaining relatively lightweight, improving the durability and reducing wear and tear on the phone's hinge.

Camera and battery capacity

Rumors suggest the iPhone Fold may feature a total of four cameras, including two 48MP rear cameras (a main camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera), a selfie camera for the outer display (a punch-hole design), and an inner selfie camera (hidden under the screen).

Apple may remove Face ID from the iPhone Fold, instead using only Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, similar to some iPad models. This decision could result in a more seamless iPhone Fold screen, without a notch or Dynamic Island.

Next, JPMorgan stated that the iPhone Fold will feature a 24MP under-display selfie camera. If this information is accurate, this would be the highest resolution for a foldable phone. For comparison, previous foldable Android smartphones only had 4-8MP hidden cameras, which were of lower quality.

Rendered iPhone Fold images based on rumors. Image: @bob_obba/YouTube .

The upgrade of the hidden camera's resolution to 24 MP, along with its 6-layer lens, likely results in sharper selfies. This detail suggests that Apple's engineering team has found a solution to improve light transmission through the display panel, leading to better quality from the hidden camera.

Battery capacity is also a noteworthy factor. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and numerous sources from the Asian supply chain, the iPhone Fold may utilize high-density technology, allowing the device's battery capacity to reach approximately 5,000-5,800 mAh.

If the rumors are accurate, the iPhone Fold will be one of the iPhones with the largest battery capacity, potentially surpassing many current Android foldable smartphones. In terms of hardware, the device is expected to use a new generation A-series processor and a network modem developed by Apple itself.

A boost for the market.

Most rumors suggest the iPhone Fold will be Apple's most expensive smartphone. According to Bloomberg , the price could start at $2,000 or more, while other analysts narrow the price range to $2,100-$2,300 .

At that price, the iPhone Fold will be significantly more expensive than the iPhone Pro Max, approaching the price of high-end Macs and iPads.

According to data from market research firm IDC , the iPhone Fold is expected to contribute significantly to global foldable smartphone sales in 2026.

Rendered iPhone Fold images based on rumors. Image: @bob_obba/YouTube .

Specifically, the iPhone Fold could capture over 20% of the foldable smartphone market share and 34% of its market value by 2026, thanks to its expected high price ( $2,400 ). Currently, the foldable phone market is mainly dominated by Samsung and Google.

In 2025, IDC predicts global foldable smartphone sales will reach 20.6 million units, a 10% increase from the previous year. By 2026, the arrival of the iPhone Fold, Galaxy Z TriFold, and Galaxy Z Fold7 will create significant growth momentum.

Accordingly, the foldable smartphone market is expected to grow by 30% in 2026, instead of the previously predicted 6%.

Source: https://znews.vn/chung-ta-da-biet-gi-ve-iphone-gap-post1627030.html