Apple is preparing its first foldable iPhone with a 7.8″ internal screen, quad-camera system, C2 modem, eSIM support, and premium materials. Launch expected in 2026.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple is preparing one of its most ambitious projects of the past decade — the first foldable iPhone, with a launch expected in 2026. Rumors about such a device have circulated for years, but multiple sources now suggest that its debut is finally approaching.
According to Bloomberg, the device will adopt a form factor similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, rather than a clamshell-style phone like the Z Flip. When folded, users will have access to a 5.5-inch external screen, while unfolding reveals a 7.8-inch display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The key innovation lies in the hinge design: Apple is said to use a metal plate that distributes pressure evenly across the flexible panel, minimizing the appearance of a crease.
The phone is expected to measure around 4.8 mm thick when unfolded and up to 9.5 mm when closed. Materials such as titanium, stainless steel, and liquid metal will reportedly be used for the chassis and hinge, aimed at improving durability and long-term reliability.
The foldable iPhone will feature a quad-camera setup: two 48 MP main lenses, a front-facing camera for the outer display, and another camera placed under the internal screen. For the first time on an iPhone, Apple may replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID sensor to save space and simplify the design.
The device will run on Apple’s in-house C2 modem, replacing Qualcomm chips and ensuring mmWave support in the U.S.. It will rely entirely on eSIM technology, with no physical SIM slot. To improve battery life, Apple is working on smaller display drivers and high-density battery cells with greater capacity.
Prototype units are currently being tested in black and white, though other color options may appear later. Pricing is expected to range from $1,800 to $2,500, making it the most expensive iPhone to date. Analysts, however, predict strong demand, driven by Apple’s loyal user base.
Production is set to begin at Foxconn factories in the second half of 2025, with a mass-market release in 2026. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the official unveiling could take place in the fall of next year.
If these reports prove accurate, 2026 could mark the beginning of a new era for the iPhone, blurring the line between smartphone and tablet in a single device.