iPhone Fold Dummy Model Leaked: First Look at Apple's Foldable Smartphone
A prominent tipster has unveiled what he claims are dummy models of Apple's highly anticipated first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Fold, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Sonny Dickson, a journalist and leaker based in Melbourne, Australia, shared exclusive photos of the units on social media platform X, providing an early glimpse into Apple's entry into the foldable market.
Design Details and Fan Reactions
The images suggest the iPhone Fold will feature a book-style design with a dual rear camera system. The foldable dummy unit displays a wide, rectangular screen, though exact dimensions remain unspecified. However, the leaked design has already sparked a wave of criticism from Apple enthusiasts. Many fans expressed disappointment, with one user commenting, 'That fold is horrific, it's so tiny and will still cost $2300. Typical Apple.' Another added, 'Apple has lost its way,' while a third vented, 'Omg the fold is so… ugly?'
Further scrutiny revealed that the back of the device includes a camera bump with two lenses, but notably appears to lack MagSafe charging, Apple's magnetic charging system. This omission drew sharp reactions, with one X user stating, 'if the Fold is missing MagSafe this will be a big NO for me,' and another exclaiming, 'NO MAGSAFE FOR IPHONE FOLD?????????' Despite the backlash, several fans have created their own renders based on the dummy, with one optimistically captioning their design, 'Form. Function. Fold.'
Technical Innovations and Rumored Specs
According to leaks from Jon Prosser, a YouTuber known for Apple insights, the iPhone Fold aims to address a common issue with foldables: the visible crease. Prosser explains that Apple plans to use a metal plate to disperse bending pressure and liquid metal in the hinge to minimize this problem. The device is expected to resemble a standard iPhone when closed, measuring approximately 9mm thick with a 5.5-inch display. When unfolded, it will reportedly offer a 7.8-inch iPad-like screen at just 4.5mm thin.
Rumored specifications include a total of four cameras—one external, two rear-facing, and one internal—and the potential return of Touch ID in the power button, replacing Face ID. Color options are said to be limited to black and white, with a price range estimated between $2,000 and $2,500. Prosser described this as 'very, very expensive,' aligning with earlier fan concerns about cost.
Launch Timeline and Industry Context
Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman has indicated that Apple's first foldable phone is on track for a September 2026 release, coinciding with the typical iPhone launch period. This timeline counters rumors of manufacturing delays and positions the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. While competitors like Samsung and Google have long offered foldables, Apple's focus on crease reduction and premium features seeks to differentiate its product.
Apple remains officially silent on all iPhone Fold rumors. In a recent interview, John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, declined to discuss future products, stating, 'You probably know we never talk about anything in the future. We are so excited to talk about what we're going to be shipping to people tomorrow.' This secrecy has only fueled speculation and anticipation among tech observers.
