iPhone Fold

All about iPhone Fold

The "iPhone Fold" existed only in patents and internal testing for over five years, but Apple is expected to push for a  consumer product release in 2026. Rumors have been ramping up in recent months with CAD designs and other leaks showcasing what could be the final product.

Though, various supply chain hitches have caused some to question the viability of a fall 2026 launch.

Evidence shows Apple is working on implementing folding technology. While Apple is rarely the first to new technology, it is known to investigate it via testing and patents until it matures.

Apple has been developing a tablet that folds into a phone or a clamshell that opens up into a full-screen phone. The difference is minimal but notable. Samsung sells two "foldable" devices — the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip and the tablet Galaxy Z Fold.

Going forward, we will consider the product an iPhone capable of folding one way or another and refer to it as the "iPhone Fold." Leaks and speculation suggest the "iPhone Flip" is also a possibility, but Apple could avoid these terms entirely and may not even refer to the device as an iPhone.

Rumors became more scarce surrounding the iPhone Fold through 2023. The rumor cycle for the product spiked in 2022 and cooled until early 2025, when things started coming out in force suggesting a 2026 release.

Apple has its hands full developing Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro and Spatial Computing seem to be the top priority for Apple going forward. That may eliminate such risky experiments as a foldable iPhone, at least until the risk is near zero. More likely, the foldable fad could die well before the tech catches up to make it viable.

A rumor in October 2023 suggests that Apple has begun "intensive development" of a folding iPad with it due to be announced by the end of 2024 or early 2025. However, these rumors never explained why Apple would pursue the form factor.

Another rumor popped up in February 2024 suggesting at least two prototype foldables were being developed at Apple. However, the project could be canceled at any time if it doesn't meet Apple's standards.

This "iPhone Flip" will be Apple's second-generation foldable if the book-style foldable does well. A rumor in February 2026 revived the rumor for this form factor.

iPhone Flip render

An iPhone Fold would be Apple's most expensive model, starting around $2,000. Though instead of positioning it above the iPhone Pro, it would be above the iPhone Air.

More slim devices will need thinner batteries, but one rumor from yeux1122 suggests the thinnest battery available for such devices is 6mm. So, Apple won't be able to target anything smaller anytime soon.

Rumors appearing in the second half of 2024 suggest an iPhone Flip form factor is in the works, though a release date is still in the far future. At first late 2026 was possible, but that has shifted to early 2027 or 2028 in some rumors.

However, Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that a late 2026 or early 2027 release window is still possible. That March 2025 rumor included a lot of additional information about the potential foldable.

Kuo says that the initial iPhone fold will:

1. Cost between $2,000 and $2,500
2. Utilize a book-like design
3. Its outer screen will be 5.5 inches
4. Its folded-out inner screen is to be 7.8 inches
5. The folding screen will have no creases
6. Dual camera rear lenses
7. Opened screen has front camera
8. Folded thickness approximately 9mm to 9.5mm
9. Opened thickness approximately 4.5mm to 4.8mm
10. No Face ID

Compare Kuo's March 2025 rumor with Jeff Pu's January 2026 rumor, which suggests the iPhone Fold will arrive in the fall of 2026.

The slightly smaller external display is in line with other recent rumors, and there is an increasing number of rumors suggesting Touch ID will be used for iPhone Fold. While Pu's history is mixed, his sources tend to provide accurate data even his interpretation of that data isn't always accurate.

Leaker Instant Digital doesn't want to be left out of the rumor cycle, so they released their own list of expected features in February 2026.

• Move volume buttons from the left side to top right
• Keep the sleep/wake button on the right as usual
• Have a camera plateau that is all black instead of colour matched
• Have dual rear cameras arranged horizontally
• Smaller Dynamic Island
• Come in white and one other colour as yet unknown
• Have the largest iPhone battery to date

Rumors also suggest a larger foldable Mac-like device is in the works for around 2028. It would be a clamshell device with a fully-open display size of about 18.8 inches.

Apple is allegedly targeting a 2026 release for the iPhone Fold, though rumors have been as certain before. Rumors have indicated "imminent release" on a near annual basis since 2021 based on supply chain orders and more, but nothing ever comes to pass.

Things reached a fever pitch in April 2026 when various rumor mongers disagreed on the progress of the iPhone Fold and when it would finally launch. All eyes are on the second half of 2026, with some looking to October, and others looking at a delay as late as December.

Rumored problems with the hinge and chipsets continue to leak out. Even as late as May 2026, there are no signs that mass production has begun.

"iPhone Fold" Features

The folding iPhone will still, first and foremost, be an iPhone running iOS. Expect feature parity with whatever flagship device it launches alongside, maybe the iPhone 17. It is likely that if Apple releases the "iPhone Fold," not much else will differentiate the product besides the folding gimmick.

Design

One disadvantage of a folding device is its thickness. No matter how thin the device is when open, it will double its thickness when closed. This could lead to issues when trying to fit it in your pocket or bag.

iPhone Fold will borrow from existing iPhone design

Apple has trended towards thinner devices over time, but it doesn't always. The iPhone 13 is notably thicker than the iPhone 12, and the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 are just as thick, but a folding device needs to be thinner than any iPhone when opened.

Some suggest the iPhone Air opens the door to a thin-enough base for a future Apple foldable. It would be another year or two, some suggesting 2027 at the earliest, before a foldable debuted with a competitive enough thickness and weight.

Folding devices also have moving parts like hinges. This will lead to wear and tear as the device is opened and closed over time. Apple has a long history of working on hinge technology, from MacBook lids that open with a single finger to the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro that holds the device aloft without fail. Whatever hinge system Apple devises for the "iPhone Fold," it will likely be an innovation for the market.

Earlier rumors indicated Apple developed a foldable similar to the Microsoft Surface Duo. Jon Prosser said the device resembled an iPhone 11 on a hinge with two separate displays. This rumor hasn't been repeated since it appeared in June 2020.

An iPhone Fold could resemble an iPad mini in size and shape when opened

Some rumors suggest Apple has decided upon the "flip" style device. It would feature a clamshell design akin to the Gameboy Advanced SP that opens into a phone and closes into a small square that can be pocketed. However, these rumors came and went without indication of when the device might arrive.

The rumor cycle returned to an iPhone Fold shape and have stuck with them for months. It is increasingly likely that Apple will offer a display on the outside of the shut device as well.

Display

Future iPhones will likely see little change in display technology. The current generation of iPhones uses OLED displays, which already have flexible properties and could make their way into a foldable iPhone.

Apple could avoid a foldable until the crease is able to be eliminated

Large-display devices have shifted to mini-LED, but the iPhone has stuck with OLED due to having more advantages on a smaller display. OLED will likely be used in a folding iPhone due to the flexibility of the display type.

When OLED was first introduced to the mobile space, manufacturers showed off displays that could be folded or rolled up using the technology. This will be key for Apple's folding display, where mini LED might not allow such flexibility.

A folding device can be built in several form factors. It can be a clamshell device that flips open into a phone-like device, or it can be a phone-like device that opens into a tablet.

Some manufacturers use multiple displays in a clamshell for their foldable. However, this is more of the halfway point to true foldables, which have folding displays.

An external display will let the device be used when closed

Rumors indicate that Apple has already begun testing these two folding types, comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Fold (horizontal fold) and the Samsung Galaxy Flip (vertical fold). Both passed the initial tests, but rumors say Apple has decided to move forward with the "flip" style.

Tests are being conducted using OLED and micro-LED, though it is unknown which will fit Apple's final design and supply requirements.

If there is an external display, it will likely inherit the always-on mode found in the latest iPhones, especially since it is now in the entire iPhone 17 lineup. The display dims but doesn't turn off — showing the time, widgets, and other data.

Cameras and Biometrics

Apple tends to put multiple cameras in its most premium devices, and the trend could likely continue for the "iPhone Fold." A standard device has only a front and a back to house cameras, but a folding device has a front, back, outside, and inside to consider.

iPhone Fold expected to have iPhone Air design

Cameras have become essential parts of the iPhone, but the iPhone Air shows Apple is willing to compromise for thinness. A foldable will have a camera on the "front," which acts as the rear camera when open. Apple will have an interesting decision to make when building the folding iPhone, like where to place Face ID.

Apple will likely take the most straightforward approach. The selfie camera and Face ID will appear above the usable screen on the "inside." When open, whatever portion is considered the "outside" will house the rear camera system with LiDAR. It is unlikely Apple will make the device more complex than that, especially for the first-generation release.

Our renders were created before the Dynamic Island was revealed, but it is easy to assume it will be used in the folding design too. It isn't clear where it would be placed, but it would need to be away from the center crease.

Under-display components could allow Face ID without taking up display space

A folding device complicates how a user will interact with it regularly. Authentication should be able to occur regardless of how the device is currently positioned. The best way to solve this is a Touch ID sensor on the external casing like what is used on the iPad Air, iPad mini, and standard iPad.

Apple could also implement Face ID, but if it is only available when the device is "open," it would limit authentication opportunities. A Face ID and Touch ID combination is possible for the "iPhone Fold."

Rumors suggest Apple may rely solely on Touch ID since it is always available regardless of whether the foldable is open or closed.

Processor

Apple uses A-series processors for its iPhone line, so the most obvious choice for the "iPhone Fold" would be the A19 Pro or later, depending on when it releases. However, given the hybrid nature of this device, Apple could also use an M-series processor to ensure maximum performance.

M-series processors are available in iPad Pro and iPad Air. It has not been used in smaller devices like the iPad mini or iPhone, but that could change for an ultra-premium device such as "iPhone Fold."

An A18 Pro or later with 8GB of RAM is required to run Apple Intelligence. A device like the iPhone Fold could have an M-series processor with at least 16GB of RAM.

MagSafe

Apple introduced the MagSafe accessory and charging system with the iPhone 12 lineup. It is currently used to attach wireless chargers or accessories such as cases magnetically but could be altered to transfer data in the future.

Apple transitioned the iPhone lineup to USB-C in 2023 for the iPhone 15. Previous rumors suggested Apple would make a port-less iPhone and rely on MagSafe for data and power, but those rumors haven't surfaced in a long time.

The rear case of the "iPhone Fold" should have plenty of space for a MagSafe Charger, Wallet, or other accessories. Specialized accessories could also be introduced for the form factor.

MagSafe was upgraded to charge at up to 25W with the iPhone 16 lineup, so the upgraded MagSafe will likely come to an ultra-premium foldable.

"iPhone Fold" Patents

Apple files patents for anything and everything it experiments with internally. These patents range from general concepts of a device to specific illustrations and use cases. The earliest patents for a folding iPhone date back to 2016, showing Apple has been long-interested in the technology.

Flexible display patents

Patent drawings show a folded device with external display notifications and a folding display

A patent describes a rolling mechanism that could expose a display by sliding. This could be done with a scroll-like function or a more rigid display with two halves of a device overlap and slides open to show more display underneath.

Other patents describe using scroll-like functions to store and reveal the display by pulling it free from a cylinder. Apple even described the screen as usable when rolled up, which could be useful for notifications and other information.

Hinge patents

Hinges could use gears to ensure a stable opening and closing mechanism

One patent shows a complex hinge using gears that may allow a display to open inwardly or outwardly on the same device. This means a device may start closed in a clamshell, open into a tablet, then continue bending outward until the screen folds back on itself into a phone-like screen.

A different patent describes articulating hinges rather than gears that open to a 90-degree angle. This patent calls out scroll-like displays being used with this hinge structure.

Apple also has patented batteries that connect across a hinge. So rather than using two different battery cells, one single cell can fill the hinge space for more capacity.

Utilizing stacked batteries could also provide more capacity in a smaller space, thus reducing the need for batteries on both sides of the device.

Other patents

A foldable device doesn't have to be a single device. A patent says that users may be able to bring devices close together to share screens. This means a custom case could combine two iPhones into a "foldable" similar to the Surface Duo.

Using device sensors to determine proximity and positioning, multiple devices could create a multi-screen operating environment that shows the same data.

Dual Screen devices are not new to the market, but Apple could add some innovation to the concept

While not the same as a foldable, this could indicate future functionality of the "iPhone Fold." For example, the foldable would function like a Surface Duo, then the user could separate the device into distinct pieces for singular use or gaming functionality, like a Nintendo Joycon.

Apple has also patented a flexible case that remains rigid in some portions and bends in others using layers. The case will be necessary to protect a device that is constantly changing shape and may be easier to drop due to constant handling.

Industry problems and lessons learned

As with most new tech, Apple isn't anywhere near the first to attempt foldable devices. Samsung has spent a few years working through the initial problems associated with such products in the public eye.

The first Samsung Galaxy Fold launched in April 2019 with a horizontal fold that opens into a tablet. This form factor was much-desired by the tech community and was heralded as a sign of the future of technology.

The original Galaxy Fold left a lot to be desired

However, the Galaxy Fold proved to be a "beta" product release with untested technology that left the customers disappointed. The device was easily broken, the screen had a crease down the center when unfolded, and a protective film was easily removed, which ruined the screen.

Its design was very much a Galaxy phone that could fold with no other considerations made for the technology. It folded into a double-thick device with a tiny external display and opened into a creased screen with a giant notch out of one side.

Folding technology was not ready for primetime, and Samsung likely knew that, given the price point of over $2,000. The Galaxy Z Flip that followed took a lot of the lessons learned from the Galaxy Fold, and it made for a much better experience overall. By the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in late 2020, Samsung appeared to have solved many of the problems of its "beta-generation" device.

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 was much thinner, no longer had a creasing problem, eliminated the notch, and made the overall experience feel more polished. The accompanying software was also much more complete than in previous iterations.

If Apple does launch an "iPhone Fold," the company will have had plenty of time to learn what not to do based on the rest of the industry. Samsung will have also had the time to perfect its folding display technology in time for Apple's first device.

Fads come and go. While foldable phones are still on the market, they appear to have fallen into a less exciting, "this device exists" category away from the flagship spotlight. Outside of those buying the products, there doesn't appear to be much fanfare.

Apple's competitors continue to release foldables with fixes for various problems along the way. Samsung showed off a display that didn't crease at CES 2026, and other manufacturers are even pursuing tri-fold displays.

In spite of those advancements, foldables continue to be trapped in an eternal "testing" phase. It seems more fad for niche users with deep pockets than practical reality, though Apple could enter the market and change that.

Foldable Macs

Rumors continue to emerge about an extra-large foldable that would run on macOS. No, this isn't referring to the existing MacBooks with a hinge, but a new all-display product that can open into a laptop-style form with screen on top and touch keyboard on the bottom.

A foldable Mac concept

The device would have a 20.3-inch display when unfolded and one half would be 15.3-inches. So, it would be the equivalent of a 15-inch MacBook Pro.

In order to release such a product, Apple would need to make macOS much more touch friendly and modular. Apple has already laid the groundwork with new iOS-like design.

Of course, this device could run iPadOS instead. However, rumors calling it a Mac suggest otherwise.

"iPhone Fold" Release speculation

Rumors around the iPhone Fold release began to solidify in late 2025. Everything points to fall 2026 for the release, though, it hasn't been an easy road for Apple.

An iPhone Fold could utilize a dual camera system that still isn't quite 'pro'

There has been some disagreement on exactly how the fall will go. Some expect Apple will announce the iPhone Fold during the September event and roll it out no later than October.

Others believe that manufacturing issues might push the official launch back to December. Such a change could be quite the problem for Apple's marketing plans for the product.

Apple will also need to develop software specific to its folding device, but that shouldn't prove overly challenging for the company. Apple already ships iOS for the iPhone and iPadOS for the iPad, and both of these are optimized for their respective devices and touch. Apple's foldable could use either or both operating systems depending on the form factor.

Developers are already encouraged to format their apps for various screen sizes, and M1-based Macs have pushed that further by bringing adjustable windows to iPad apps. This means all the information for display changes should be baked into any apps when the "iPhone Fold" launches and any additional adaptation shouldn't be complicated.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said that if Apple can overcome all of the foldable phone technology issues, it could release a foldable in 2026 at the earliest. If the product is ever released, expect it at a significant price point of $1,500 or more.

Rumors in 2025 placed Apple's foldable launch in 2027 alongside the iPhone 19, or iPhone 20 if Apple repeats the iPhone X anniversary release. Either way, the long rumored device remains at a seemingly eternal "within two years."

Once it launches, the iPhone Fold could be placed as a premium version of the iPhone Air. It would be released in the fall updates alongside of "pro" models, while the Air updates would go out in the spring.

Apple may never release an iPhone Fold as technology trends and fads shift. Time will tell if the product will be ready for the fall of 2026.