Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its first ever foldable iPhone in 2026 – and the rumour mill is already working overtime. Based on recent leaks, the so-called iPhone Fold could pack premium materials, innovative engineering, and a price tag to match. Here’s a roundup of the ten biggest leaks and rumours so far.
Titanium Build for Extra Strength
The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a titanium chassis, offering superior durability compared to aluminium. This mirrors the approach rumoured for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, where titanium’s rigidity is seen as essential for thin devices.
Slim Profile for a First-Gen Foldable
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the device will measure 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded, and around 9–9.5mm when closed. That’s slightly thicker than current Samsung foldables, but far slimmer than the original Galaxy Fold’s 12mm profile.
Liquid Hinge to Eliminate Screen Crease
One of Apple’s key innovations may be a “liquid hinge” mechanism designed to remove the centre crease seen on other foldables. This could also help the display remain smooth even after thousands of folds, addressing one of the biggest complaints about existing designs.
Smaller Outer Display
When closed, the iPhone Fold is tipped to feature a 5.5-inch external display – a size reminiscent of the classic iPhone “Plus” models, but without the large bezels.
Large Inner Display
Inside, the foldable will reportedly open up to reveal a 7.8-inch screen, similar in size to older iPad Mini models. The goal appears to be maximising usable space while avoiding the oversized borders that plague some rivals.
Touch ID Makes a Return
For the first time since the iPhone SE (2nd gen), Touch ID is expected to return – integrated into the side power button, much like recent iPad Air and iPad Mini models.
Dual Camera Setup
Space constraints mean the iPhone Fold is unlikely to carry the triple-lens array found on Pro models. Instead, it will probably feature a wide and ultra-wide pairing, similar to the standard iPhone 16.
New Battery Technology
Apple is expected to use carbon-lithium batteries, allowing for thinner designs without sacrificing longevity. This could mean better battery life in a slimmer form factor, and possibly room for a slightly larger battery pack.
Launch Window
The iPhone Fold is rumoured for a September 2026 debut, aligning with Apple’s traditional iPhone launch cycle.
Premium Price Tag
Pricing is rumoured to start around $2,000 (approx. £1,570), with base storage likely at 256GB – possibly 512GB. While expensive, this is in line with other high-end foldable devices on the market.
If these rumours prove accurate, the iPhone Fold could represent Apple’s most ambitious hardware shift since the launch of the original iPhone in 2007. The question is whether consumers will embrace the foldable form factor – and its hefty price – when it finally arrives.
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