Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market in a big way, with the highly anticipated iPhone Fold expected to launch in September 2026. This ambitious device aims to set a new standard for foldable phones, blending cutting-edge technology, durability, and Apple’s signature design philosophy. While rumors about a foldable iPhone have swirled for years, recent leaks, industry showcases, and mounting evidence from display suppliers are now painting a much clearer picture of what consumers can expect from Apple’s next big thing.
According to Geeky Gadgets, the iPhone Fold will feature a sophisticated book-style foldable design. When closed, users will interact with a 5.5-inch external display—perfect for sending quick messages, making calls, or checking notifications. Unfolding the device reveals a spacious 7.8-inch internal display, transforming the phone into a tablet-like experience ideal for productivity, streaming, or multitasking. Remarkably, the device measures just 9 mm thick when folded and a svelte 4.5 mm when open, balancing portability with function in a way that’s become a hallmark of Apple’s hardware.
The real showstopper is the iPhone Fold’s creaseless OLED display, developed in partnership with Samsung Display. For years, visible creases have plagued foldable phones, detracting from the immersive experience. Apple and Samsung appear to have tackled this issue head-on by using a reinforced metal plate and a liquid metal hinge mechanism, distributing pressure evenly across the screen and eliminating that unsightly fold. During CES 2026, Samsung briefly showcased a prototype creaseless foldable OLED panel, which SamMobile described as having "no crease at all"—a clear sign that this technology is ready for primetime. The demo was swiftly removed from the show floor, with Samsung clarifying to MacRumors that the display was "strictly R&D" and not destined for any specific product, including their upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8. Still, the timing was hard to ignore, especially since Apple is widely reported to be Samsung’s customer for these advanced panels.
The screen itself employs CoE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) technology, which eliminates the traditional polarizing film found in most OLED panels. This makes the display not only thinner but also brighter, as more of the light produced by the OLED pixels reaches the user’s eyes. The result? A vibrant, seamless canvas, whether you’re reading text, watching movies, or editing photos.
On the hardware front, the iPhone Fold is no slouch. It’s powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, which features an upgraded neural engine for AI-driven tasks, smooth multitasking, and improved energy efficiency. The device is equipped with dual high-density battery cells, offering a combined capacity of about 5,600 mAh—enough to deliver reliable all-day battery life, even for power users.
Security and biometrics are also thoughtfully addressed. Instead of Face ID, which presents challenges in foldable form factors, Apple has opted for Touch ID integrated into the power button. This ensures quick, consistent unlocking whether the device is folded or open, and sidesteps the limitations of 2D facial recognition in this new design.
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty to like in the iPhone Fold’s camera system. According to Geeky Gadgets, the phone will sport a four-camera setup: two punch-hole cameras (one on each display) for selfies and video calls, and a dual rear camera array with a rumored 200 MP primary sensor. AI-powered features like intelligent scene detection, superior low-light performance, and advanced computational photography are expected to enhance image quality, whether you’re snapping landscapes or capturing moments on the go.
Pricing for the iPhone Fold is expected to fall between $2,000 and $2,500, positioning it firmly in the premium segment. This isn’t a device for the faint of heart or the budget-conscious—it’s aimed squarely at early adopters, tech enthusiasts, and professionals who demand the latest and greatest. The iPhone Fold will complement Apple’s flagship iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, rather than replace them, offering a new option for those seeking the ultimate in mobile innovation.
Recent leaks have provided further insight into the iPhone Fold’s physical design. As reported by David Price at Macworld, a Turkish case manufacturer posted images on Instagram of what it claims is the official mold for the device. The mold suggests that the Fold will be roughly the size of an iPhone mini when closed and about the size of an iPad mini when open. It features two rear-facing camera lenses in a straight (rather than diagonal) configuration, and a circular element on the back that hints at MagSafe support. Notably, there’s no sign of the pronounced camera bump (or "Plateau") seen on some iPhone models—just a normal protruding module as with the iPhone 16 series. While skepticism is warranted (Apple is notoriously secretive and doesn’t share dimensions with third-party case makers), the leak offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.
Apple’s entry into the foldable market comes at a pivotal moment. While Samsung pioneered the category and continues to innovate, visible creases and durability concerns have held back mass adoption. Apple’s approach—prioritizing a creaseless display, robust hinge design, and practical usability—could address these pain points and push the industry forward. As MacRumors notes, Apple’s foldable ambitions are "the industry’s worst-kept secret," and the company is poised to make the biggest form factor change since the original iPhone launched in 2007.
In terms of market positioning, Apple is betting that consumers are ready for a device that bridges the gap between smartphone and tablet, without the compromises that have defined previous foldables. By focusing on durability, user experience, and seamless integration with the broader Apple ecosystem, the iPhone Fold could redefine what users expect from their mobile devices.
As the September launch approaches, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Apple has yet to officially comment on the iPhone Fold—true to its tradition of secrecy—but the evidence is overwhelming. Between supply chain leaks, display tech demos, and case mold sightings, it’s clear that the iPhone Fold is more than just a rumor. It’s a bold step into the future of mobile technology, and one that could reshape the smartphone landscape for years to come.
Apple’s iPhone Fold is not just another device—it’s a statement. By tackling the challenges that have dogged foldable phones and raising the bar for innovation, Apple is once again setting the agenda for the industry. The coming months will reveal whether the iPhone Fold lives up to the hype, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching.
