For nearly a decade, the tech world has buzzed with speculation about a foldable iPhone. Now, in early 2026, rumors are once again swirling with renewed vigor: Apple’s elusive iPhone Fold could finally arrive as soon as this fall, according to a flurry of recent reports from sources including The Economic Times, USA TODAY, and digital outlets across Asia. But as with so many anticipated Apple launches, there’s a catch—persistent technical hurdles, especially with the hinge mechanism, could push the debut back to 2027. Still, the details emerging about the iPhone Fold’s design, features, and price tag are painting a picture of Apple’s boldest smartphone yet.
The most eye-catching change? The iPhone Fold is expected to break radically from Apple’s traditional smartphone form. Instead of the familiar slim slab, the device is rumored to feature a book-style folding design. When opened, the internal display is said to measure a generous 7.76 inches—about the size of an iPad mini—with a sharp resolution of 2,713 by 1,920 pixels. According to Apple Insider (as reported by The Economic Times), leaked CAD drawings suggest the phone will have a squarer, wider shape when folded, rather than the tall, narrow silhouette of current iPhones. This shift would make the iPhone Fold feel less like a phone and more like a compact tablet that fits in your pocket.
Thickness is another key consideration. Reports indicate the device could be just 5.64 mm thick when unfolded, and a little over 11 mm when folded—impressively svelte for a foldable. This would put Apple’s device close to the standards set by its famously thin products, as noted by Indonesian tech outlet DigitalSiber.id.
Of course, the foldable display is the star of the show. While early rumors suggested Apple was working with LG Display, more recent leaks point to Samsung Display as the primary supplier. Samsung’s expertise in foldable screens—showcased at CES 2026—is said to be crucial, especially as Apple has reportedly spent years trying to eliminate the visible crease that plagues other foldable phones. According to The Economic Times, Apple may use a Samsung-developed display design that’s already been shown publicly, raising hopes for a more seamless folding experience.
But the iPhone Fold isn’t just about the internal display. Apple is also expected to include a second, external screen measuring about 5.49 inches, with a resolution of 2,088 by 1,422 pixels and a pixel density on par with current iPhones. This outer display would allow users to interact with the device like a regular iPhone when it’s folded shut—a practical touch that could ease the transition for longtime iPhone fans.
Under the hood, the hinge mechanism has proven to be the biggest stumbling block. Both Apple Insider and Geeky Gadgets report that Apple has faced significant delays due to the complexity of the advanced hinge system. To solve this, Apple is rumored to be turning to Liquidmetal—a material known for its strength, resistance to deformation, and light weight. According to DigitalSiber.id, Liquidmetal is even stronger than titanium alloys, which could help ensure the hinge stands up to years of folding and unfolding without compromising the display’s integrity.
The camera setup is also drawing attention. Leaks suggest the iPhone Fold will feature two rear cameras—a main and an ultra-wide sensor—each possibly boasting a 48 MP resolution. To keep the internal screen free of notches or cutouts, Apple is reportedly planning to use an under-display camera for selfies and video calls when the device is open, while the external screen will rely on a punch-hole camera. This approach would allow the main display to remain uninterrupted, a move that many Apple fans are likely to appreciate.
Software, too, is expected to get a significant overhaul. According to Geeky Gadgets, the iPhone Fold may introduce multitasking and split-screen functionality, app continuity for seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes, and even the return of Touch ID—a feature some users have missed since Apple’s shift to Face ID. These features would help the device take full advantage of its unique hardware, offering new ways to work and play on the go.
But all this innovation will come at a price—literally. Multiple sources, including The Economic Times and DigitalSiber.id, agree that the iPhone Fold will be Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever. Estimates from 2025 and early 2026 put the starting price at around $2,000, with some reports suggesting it could range as high as $2,500. That’s more than even some high-end Mac computers, and it positions the iPhone Fold firmly at the ultra-premium end of the market. "The minimum price will not be below 2,000 US dollars," one analyst told DigitalSiber.id, highlighting just how exclusive the device is likely to be.
Apple’s timing could prove critical. Samsung is expected to launch its Galaxy Z Fold 8 sometime in 2026, and if Apple’s hinge problems persist, the iPhone Fold could arrive too late to capture the early foldable market. As USA TODAY reports, “The advanced hinge mechanism, a critical component of the device, has reportedly caused delays. Initially expected to launch in September 2026, the release may now be postponed to 2027 due to these complexities.” This delay has the potential to hinder Apple’s ability to compete directly with Samsung, which has years of experience and several generations of foldables already in the market.
It’s also worth noting that, despite the excitement, Apple has yet to officially confirm any details about the iPhone Fold. As Apple Insider cautions, “While the reported features and a 2026 release of the iPhone Fold may look promising, the recent reports are predated by 'years of incorrect release claims,'” urging consumers to “take these rumors with a grain of salt.” The iPhone Fold’s story is littered with false starts and shifting timelines, making it hard to separate fact from fiction until Apple makes an official announcement.
Meanwhile, iPhone users do have something new to play with: iOS 26.2, which was released on January 12, 2026. The update brings enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, Games, and other apps, along with bug fixes and security updates, according to USA TODAY. While it’s not as dramatic as a foldable phone, it’s a reminder that Apple is still pushing forward—just maybe not as quickly as some fans would like.
As the tech world waits, the iPhone Fold remains both a tantalizing possibility and a cautionary tale about the challenges of innovation. Will Apple’s first foldable phone set a new standard for the industry, or will it be an expensive experiment that never quite lives up to the hype? Only time—and perhaps a few more rumors—will tell.
