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Highlights

• Apple is anticipated to launch its first foldable iPhone, informally referred to as the “iPhone Fold”, in 2026.
• The device is expected to feature a book-style folding design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, as per leaks from Mark Gurman.
• Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned Apple analyst, estimates the unfolded thickness to be between 4.5 and 4.8 mm, and folded thickness to be around 9 to 9.5 mm.
• Groundbreaking camera and innovative design features are rumoured to be part of the iPhone Fold.
• Blend of titanium and liquid metal alloys
• A20 series chipset (potentially built on a 2nm process) and Apple’s in-house C2 5G modem

Apple’s first foldable iPhone, informally dubbed the “iPhone Fold,” is expected to launch in 2026 with groundbreaking camera and design features.

Here’s a detailed look at the latest leaks and rumours surrounding the iPhone Fold:

Apple’ First Foldable design

Reports from reliable sources like bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggest that Apple’s foldable iPhone will likely resemble the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, using a book-style folding mechanism (like opening a book), rather than the smaller clamshell design (like a makeup compact) used by the Galaxy Z Flip.(Mark Gurman is an American technology journalist, specializing in Apple news.)

iPhone 18 Fold Key Thickness Estimates

Tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects,

 When Unfolded (open): thickness to be between 4.5 and 4.8 mm.

When Folded (closed): Kuo estimates the thickness to be between 9 and 9.5 mm.

(Ming-Chi Kuo is a market analyst at KGI Securities, previously at TF International Securities, who focuses on the manufacturing supply chain of Apple Inc. He has been considered the “best Apple analyst on the planet”.)

Other Key Features of iphone 18 fold Leaked informations and rumours

Camera

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a groundbreaking camera system with the iPhone Fold, highlighted by the industry’s first 24MP under-display selfie camera. This innovative feature is expected to deliver sharper, more natural-looking images compared to the 4MP–8MP sensors typically found in current Android foldables. On the rear, the device is anticipated to sport a dual 48MP camera setup, likely comprising wide and ultrawide lenses to enhance versatility and image quality. Additionally, the iPhone Fold may feature a quad-camera arrangement, which includes a punch-hole camera positioned on the outer display and the advanced under-display unit on the inner panel.

Touch ID Instead of Face ID

Apple is reportedly considering forgoing its signature Face ID facial recognition system in favour of a side-mounted Touch ID fingerprint sensor for the iPhone Fold. This design choice is believed to be driven by the need to preserve the device’s slim profile and to overcome technical challenges associated with integrating Face ID hardware under a foldable display. Placing a Touch ID sensor on the side—typically embedded within the power button—would allow Apple to maintain both security and convenience without adding bulk or requiring additional notches or cut-outs on the flexible screen. Such a move would also align the iPhone Fold with several current foldable devices from competitors, which commonly use side-mounted fingerprint scanners for authentication. While Face ID remains popular on standard iPhones, a side-mounted Touch ID sensor could offer faster, more reliable unlocking in various orientations, especially when the device is folded or partially opened. This adjustment would reflect Apple’s commitment to balancing innovative form factors with practical usability and user security.

Design and Build

The iPhone Fold is rumoured to feature a sophisticated frame constructed from a blend of titanium and liquid metal alloys. This innovative material choice is expected to significantly enhance the device’s overall durability, making it more resistant to everyday wear and tear, accidental drops, and structural stress—crucial factors for a foldable device.

The addition of liquid metal, a highly flexible and resilient alloy, contributes to the frame’s ability to absorb shocks and maintain its shape even after repeated folding and unfolding cycles.

One of the most notable advantages of this advanced frame construction is the reduction of crease visibility on the foldable display. The unique properties of liquid metal allow the hinge and surrounding areas to flex more smoothly, distributing pressure evenly and minimising the appearance of folds or lines that typically develop over time in conventional foldable screens. This not only preserves the device’s sleek appearance but also ensures a more seamless and immersive user experience, aligning with Apple’s commitment to premium design and user satisfaction.

Performance and Battery

The iPhone Fold is anticipated to be equipped with Apple’s forthcoming A20 series chipset (potentially built on a 2nm process) and Apple’s in-house C2 5G modem, ensuring top-tier performance and efficiency. Additionally, the device is expected to feature a robust battery capacity ranging from 5000mAh to 5500mAh, which should provide ample power to support its advanced functions and extended usage.

 Pricing and Launch Timeline

The anticipated price for the upcoming iPhone Fold is estimated to be around USD 1,999, which is approximately ₹1,77,000 in Indian currency, positioning it as the most premium and expensive iPhone released by Apple to date. This significant price tag reflects the cutting-edge features and innovative design elements expected in the device.

Industry insiders and leaked reports indicate that the launch is likely to occur in late 2026, possibly coinciding with the debut of the iPhone 18 series. However, potential challenges related to hinge durability may cause delays, pushing the release to 2027. As a result, eager customers and tech enthusiasts may need to wait a bit longer for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which is set to redefine luxury and performance in the smartphone market.

 Strategic Design Choices

Apple appears to be prioritizing image quality and seamless design over certain legacy features like LiDAR and optical image stabilization.By potentially omitting these elements, Apple is likely focusing on delivering a cleaner, more integrated camera experience that leverages advancements in computational photography and AI-driven image processing. This approach may result in a slimmer profile for the device, further enhancing its foldable design aesthetics while still delivering impressive photo and video quality.

Additionally, the foldable may also adopt an eSIM-only approach, continuing Apple’s recent trend of moving away from physical SIM cards. This shift not only streamlines the device’s construction—freeing up valuable internal space for larger batteries or enhanced components—but also aligns with global efforts towards digital-first connectivity.

In summary, the iPhone Fold represents a bold leap forward in design, technology, and user experience, combining state-of-the-art materials with powerful performance features. While its anticipated premium pricing and potential launch delays may test the patience of eager buyers, Apple’s commitment to innovation ensures that the device will set new benchmarks in the foldable smartphone segment. The blend of advanced engineering and strategic design choices positions the iPhone Fold as a highly anticipated and truly luxurious addition to Apple’s line-up.

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