First foldable iPhone could launch in 2026: Here’s what the leaks reveal so far
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone by 2026. Here’s what leaks and rumours have revealed so far.
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Apple is preparing to enter the much-anticipated foldable smartphone market, a segment currently led by Samsung and other competitors. Industry reports suggest that the Cupertino-based tech giant could unveil its first foldable iPhone in 2026, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 series. The long-awaited model will mark Apple’s entry into a category that has been developing rapidly over the past few years.
Apple Foldable iPhone: Launch Timeline and Design
Early rumours suggest that the first foldable iPhone could launch in 2026, but some reports now hint at possible delays that could push the release to 2027. Despite these claims, 2026 remains the most likely target year. Apple’s first foldable is expected to adopt a book-style design, similar to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and Google Pixel Fold, rather than a clamshell-style fold.
The foldable iPhone may measure between 9 and 9.5 mm when folded and about 4.5 to 4.8 mm when unfolded. These dimensions could align with other premium foldable phones currently in production.
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Foldable iPhone: Display and Camera
Leaks suggest that the upcoming foldable iPhone will feature two displays: an internal 7.8-inch foldable screen and an external 5.5-inch cover display. Both screens could offer a wider and shorter layout compared to other foldables, possibly similar to an iPad-style viewing experience rather than the tall format found on Samsung models.
As for the optics, the device is expected to be similar to the standard iPhone 17, with a dual 48MP rear camera setup. The foldable may also include two front-facing cameras, one for each display. An under-display camera is reportedly planned for the inner screen, while the outer one could have a standard punch-hole design.
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Touch ID and Hardware Features
The foldable iPhone might see the return of Touch ID, this time as a side-mounted button instead of the usual Face ID system. This approach could help Apple save internal space while maintaining secure biometric authentication. The company already uses a similar system on some iPad models, which suggests an established pathway for the feature.
In terms of processing power, the upcoming foldable is expected to be powered by Apple’s A20 chip, part of its upcoming generation of processors. The chip is believed to use a 2-nanometre process, which promises improved efficiency and performance. It may also use Apple’s C2 modem, the second-generation in-house modem developed to reduce reliance on Qualcomm components.
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Storage, Memory, and Battery Capacity
The foldable iPhone could include 12 GB of RAM, with storage variants of 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. Such configurations indicate Apple’s intention to position the device firmly in the premium segment.
Battery capacity may range between 5,000 mAh and 5,500 mAh, the largest ever in an iPhone. How Apple plans to fit such a large battery into a foldable frame remains a key question, given the limited internal space such designs allow.
Foldable iPhone: Price (Expected)
If the rumours are true, the foldable iPhone is expected to cost around $2,000 (approximately Rs. 1,77,244), which would put it in direct competition with high-end models such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
