Cupertino: A fresh leak has offered the clearest look yet at the rumoured foldable iPhone, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold. Images of a purported dummy unit of the device have surfaced online, hinting at Apple’s possible design direction as it prepares to enter the foldable smartphone segment.
The leak comes as Apple remains the only major smartphone manufacturer yet to introduce a foldable device. While the company has not officially confirmed any such product, growing evidence suggests that a foldable iPhone could debut later this year alongside its next-generation flagship lineup.
First look at the foldable design
Images shared by tipster Sonny Dickson on social media platform X reveal a wide-style foldable design, resembling a passport-like form factor. This aligns with earlier reports suggesting that Apple may adopt a book-style folding mechanism similar to some existing foldable devices in the market.
The back panel of the dummy unit features a horizontally placed pill-shaped camera module with two visible sensors. Unlike recent iPhone designs where the camera module spans a larger portion of the rear, this module appears more compact and centrally aligned.
Another detail highlighted in separate leaks is the unusual placement of volume buttons, which are positioned along the top edge instead of the traditional side layout. The power button, however, remains on the side, potentially doubling as a fingerprint scanner.
Display sizes and foldable experience
The leaked dummy unit also offers insights into the display configuration. The inner foldable screen is expected to measure approximately 7.8 inches, making it the largest display ever seen on an iPhone and placing it close to the size of a compact tablet.
The images suggest a punch-hole cutout for the front camera on the inner display, positioned towards the top-left corner. Apple is reportedly working to minimise the visible crease, a common challenge in foldable devices.
On the outside, the device is likely to feature a smaller 5.5-inch OLED display. This secondary screen would allow users to access essential functions without unfolding the device. Reports indicate that Face ID sensors may be absent on the outer display, with Apple instead opting for Touch ID integrated into the side button.
Hardware and performance expectations
Beyond design, several reports have hinted at the internal specifications of the iPhone Fold. The device is expected to be powered by Apple’s upcoming A20 Pro chipset, which could be built using a 2nm manufacturing process, offering significant gains in performance and efficiency.
Leaks suggest that the smartphone may come with 12GB of RAM and storage options going up to 1TB. Additionally, Apple is reportedly testing vapour chamber cooling technology, which could help maintain consistent performance during intensive tasks such as gaming or multitasking.
In terms of thickness, the iPhone Fold is rumoured to measure around 4.7mm when unfolded and approximately 9.23mm when folded, potentially making it one of the slimmest foldable devices in the market.
Camera capabilities and battery life
The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, comprising a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Notably, there may be no dedicated telephoto lens, suggesting Apple could rely on digital zoom or computational photography techniques.
For selfies and video calls, the device is likely to include dual front-facing cameras embedded within the displays.
Battery capacity is another area where the iPhone Fold could stand out. Reports indicate a battery size ranging between 5,400mAh and 5,800mAh, which would make it the largest battery ever included in an iPhone. This could help offset the power demands of the larger foldable display.
Software and ecosystem integration
Apple is expected to leverage its existing ecosystem to enhance the foldable experience. The device may run on iOS 27, which is likely to introduce new multitasking features tailored for larger screens.
By drawing on its iPad app ecosystem, Apple could offer a more seamless transition between smartphone and tablet use cases. This would be crucial in differentiating the iPhone Fold from competing foldable devices.
Launch timeline and pricing expectations
Industry reports suggest that the iPhone Fold could be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in September this year. If confirmed, this would mark a significant milestone for Apple as it expands its product portfolio into the foldable segment.
The launch is also expected to coincide with a leadership transition, with John Ternus set to take over as CEO from Tim Cook.
Pricing is expected to place the device firmly in the premium category. Estimates suggest a price range between $2,000 and $2,400, which translates to approximately ₹1.91 lakh to ₹2.29 lakh in India.
Conclusion
While Apple has yet to officially confirm the existence of a foldable iPhone, the leaked dummy unit provides a compelling glimpse into what could be one of the company’s most ambitious products to date. From a book-style design and large inner display to high-end specifications and ecosystem integration, the iPhone Fold appears poised to compete with established players in the foldable market.
However, as with all leaks, these details should be treated with caution. The final product may differ significantly from the dummy unit currently circulating online. If the rumours hold true, Apple’s entry into the foldable segment could reshape the competitive landscape and set new benchmarks for design and usability.