Apple's long-rumoured foray into the foldable phone market may finally have taken a visible shape, with detailed renders offering the first potential glimpse of the 'iPhone Fold'. The highly anticipated device, tipped for a 2026 debut, could mark Apple's bold entry into a sector currently dominated by rivals like Samsung and Google.
First Look at a Foldable Future
In a significant leak, prominent Apple tipster Jon Prosser of the YouTube channel FrontPageTech has published detailed 3D renders purporting to show the design of Apple's inaugural foldable device. Prosser stated that while Apple initially experimented with both clamshell and book-style formats, the company has settled on a book-style design for its final product.
This strategic choice would place Apple in direct competition with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series and Google's Pixel Fold line. Prosser predicts that only three new iPhone models will launch in 2026: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the groundbreaking iPhone Fold.
Specs, Design, and a Battle Against the Crease
The leaked specifications suggest a device that transforms from a compact handset into a small tablet. When closed, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 5.5-inch outer display and measure approximately 9mm thick. Upon unfolding, users would be greeted by a expansive 7.8-inch screen, with the device thinning to a remarkable 4.5mm.
Perhaps the most significant claimed innovation addresses the perennial issue of foldable screens: the visible crease. Prosser explains that Apple plans to "completely subvert" this problem using a combination of a metal plate to disperse bending pressure and a liquid metal hinge mechanism. This engineering feat, if true, could be a major selling point against competitors.
Other rumoured features include:
- A total of four cameras: one on the outer display, two rear-facing lenses, and one internal camera for video calls.
- The surprising return of Touch ID, integrated into the power button, which is also said to be moving back to the top of the device, replacing Face ID for biometric security.
- A conservative colour palette, with the device reportedly launching in black and white only.
Premium Price and Apple's Traditional Silence
As expected for a first-generation flagship product incorporating new technology, the iPhone Fold is predicted to carry a premium price tag. Prosser estimates the cost will fall between $2,000 and $2,500, positioning it as a top-tier luxury device.
True to form, Apple remains silent on all speculation. When approached by the Daily Mail in September following the iPhone 17 launch, John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, declined to comment on future products. "You probably know we never talk about anything in the future," he stated, redirecting focus to imminent releases.
If the leaked timeline holds, the tech world will be watching closely for an expected September 2026 unveiling, setting the stage for a new chapter in the smartphone wars.
