Rumors about a foldable iPhone have circulated for years, and development has been slow, according to what we’ve heard. However, a fresh leak describes Apple’s first foldable iPhone’s potential release date and important specifications. Apple’s first foldable device is reportedly a book-style folding smartphone, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. It is said to have a 12-inch inner screen and dual rear cameras.
X user HaYaO (Shun HaYaO) shared the most likely launch timeline and features of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The Cupertino-based company is expected to release the foldable phone as early as fall 2026. The company is expected to release a foldable iPad and MacBook in 2027.
🔥近期苹果折叠屏产业链调研汇总—250120 (By zwz)：
1、外形：左后大折，折叠后厚度9.2mm，单面4.6mm。内屏相当于两部6.1吋手机对折，总共12吋多。…
— 駿HaYaO (@QQ_Timmy) February 6, 2025
The report indicates that there is no progress in small folding mobile phones, likely the rumored flip-style foldable for the time being. Instead, large folding phones that can open like a book to become tablet-sized gadgets are rumored to be in development.
Apple’s book-style foldable iPhone is estimated to be 9.2mm thick when folded and 4.6mm when unfolded. For comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 measures 12.1mm when folded, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 measures 13.4mm.
The tablet’s “internal screen is comparable to two 6.1‑inch phones folded together” according to the tipster, “resulting in a total size of over 12 inches.” The tipster predicts that the company will sell 8-10 million foldable iPhones in 2026, followed by 20 million units in 2027. Foxconn could be the OEM next year, and the company may hire Luxshare in 2027.
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Samsung has been reported to be developing UTG Lens technology exclusively for Apple, and it could supply the screen for the foldable iPhone. It’s most likely a variant of the ultra-thin glass (UTG) that Samsung uses in its bendable products. The hinge is reported to be designed by Apple and sourced from Taiwanese companies. Internal components could be supplied from Lingyi.
The foldable iPhone is said to have an aluminum alloy center frame. It is anticipated to have a dual rear camera setup that includes a main camera and an ultra-wide angle sensor. The battery capacity could be around 5,000mAh, and the cell is expected to be 3D stacked, as created exclusively by ATL.
