Apple’s Foldable iPhone: Release Date, Design, Specs, Features, and More
- Apple’s foldable iPhone is rumored to be coming by 2026, but what’s it going to look like?
- Leaks suggest a huge, crease-free screen — but can Apple pull it off?
- Will it be a phone? A mini-tablet? Both? We’ve got the specs you need to know.
Apple remains the only major smartphone maker yet to release a foldable device. While competitors like Samsung, Google, and Motorola have embraced the trend, Apple has taken its time—perhaps strategically. Now, fresh reports suggest the long-rumored iPhone Fold could arrive as early as 2026, with details emerging about its potential display, form factor, and durability.
Here’s what we know so far, based on leaks, patents, and industry speculation.
Photo via Neowin // New rumors and reports suggest that Apple's foldable iPhone could hit the shelves as soon as 2026. But is this just the same old rumor we've heard on repeat for years?
Release Date
Apple has yet to officially acknowledge the existence of the iPhone Fold, but industry analysts have been speculating about a launch timeline for years.
- 2021 Prediction: Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo originally projected a 2024 release—which proved overly optimistic.
- 2024 Updates: New reports shifted expectations to 2027 at the earliest, though some sources suggested a late 2026 launch before production delays pushed it further.
- 2025 Leaks: ETNews reported in February that Apple may begin limited production in the second half of 2025, with a commercial release in late 2026.
Given Apple's history of meticulous development cycles, a 2026-2027 window seems most likely.
Design
The defining feature of Apple’s first foldable iPhone will be its flexible display, allowing the device to expand into a larger screen—potentially bridging the gap between an iPhone and an iPad mini.
- Size Speculation: A February 2025 leak suggested the unfolded screen would be over 12 inches, but a more realistic estimate places it around 7.5 to 7.7 inches—similar to the iPad mini.
- Dual Supplier Rumors: Some reports claimed Samsung would supply the display, while others indicated LG Display was still in contention as of January 2025.
- Outer Display: Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station suggested the iPhone Fold will feature a 5.49-inch outer screen, allowing it to function as a standard smartphone when closed.
Photo via HardwareZone // A concept image of what Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone may look like.
Apple is also reportedly developing hybrid OLED panels, combining rigid glass with flexible plastic substrates, to enhance durability while maintaining the premium feel of current iPhone screens.
The Crease Problem
One of the biggest challenges for foldable phones has been the crease—a visible line that forms along the fold over time. Apple seems determined to eliminate it.
Photo via Reddit // Foldable smartphones are notorious for their display 'crease,' pictured above. Will Apple be able to solve this problem?
- 2022 Patent: Apple explored an outward-folding design, where the display remains on the exterior instead of folding inward, reducing stress on the screen.
- Complex Hinges: Other patents suggest reinforced support mechanisms to prevent creasing while still allowing the screen to flex.
- Recent Claims: ETNews (February 2025) cited sources saying Apple is working to ensure its foldable iPhone will not suffer from visible creases, setting it apart from current competitors.
If Apple can truly eliminate the crease, it could give the iPhone Fold a major advantage over Samsung’s Galaxy Z series.
Will the iPhone Fold Be More Like an iPad?
The iPhone Fold’s design could blur the line between an iPhone and an iPad mini.
- Samsung previously suggested Apple’s first foldable device would be a tablet, rather than a phone.
- Ming-Chi Kuo once predicted a foldable iPad by 2024, though that never materialized.
- If Apple positions the iPhone Fold as a two-in-one device, it could appeal to users looking for a smartphone that expands into a mini-tablet.
With its potential large inner screen and compact folded design, the iPhone Fold could redefine how users switch between smartphone and tablet modes.
Specifications
Concrete hardware details remain scarce, but some leaks have speculated on potential features:
| Component | Leaked Specs (Unverified) |
|---|---|
| Battery | 5,000mAh “3D Stacked” cell |
| Front Camera | Ultra-thin Meta Lens |
| Rear Cameras | Main + Ultra-Wide setup |
| Thickness | 4.6mm unfolded / 9.2mm folded (thinner than M4 iPad Pro) |
These details, however, should be taken with caution. The source of this leak, Jukanlosreve (formerly TechReve), has a mixed track record when it comes to accuracy.
Until we get closer to launch, key specifications will likely remain fluid.
Apple’s Foldable Future: What’s Next?
While the iPhone Fold remains years away, Apple’s approach to foldable devices will likely set it apart from rivals. If reports are accurate, we can expect:
- A large, crease-free folding display
- Durability improvements over existing foldables
- A release timeline between 2026 and 2027
With Samsung, Google, and others already dominating the foldable market, Apple will need to bring something truly innovative to make the iPhone Fold a success. If history is any indicator, though, the company is unlikely to rush into the foldable race without a game-changing product.
Photo via Marki Williams for New York Times // Android smartphone manufacturers have been dominating the foldable smartphone segment. But will all of this change in 2026?
For now, all eyes are on Apple’s next move.
What do you think?
Would you buy a foldable iPhone, or are you skeptical about foldable phones in general? Let us know in the comments!
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Published to Apple Scoop on 7th March, 2025.
