After years of speculation and anticipation, Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market is finally taking shape. A series of consistent leaks from reliable sources have begun to paint a detailed picture of what the tech giant's first foldable iPhone might look like, revealing a device that makes some surprising design choices to achieve its form factor. The latest information, corroborated across multiple reports, suggests a phone that prioritizes a slim profile and a unique wide-screen experience, potentially setting a new direction for the category.
The Return of Touch ID and the Absence of Face ID
One of the most significant revelations is Apple's apparent decision to forgo Face ID on its inaugural foldable device. According to leaks from tipster Digital Chat Station and other sources, the company will instead integrate a side-mounted Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The reasoning is rooted in hardware constraints; the components required for 3D facial recognition occupy valuable internal space. In the relentless pursuit of a thin and elegant foldable design, Apple has reportedly chosen the more space-efficient fingerprint scanner. This marks a notable shift, as Touch ID has not been a primary biometric method on a flagship iPhone since the iPhone 8 era, though it persists on iPads and MacBooks.
Reported Specifications for Apple's Foldable iPhone (Based on Latest Leaks):
- Biometric Security: Side-mounted Touch ID fingerprint sensor (No Face ID)
- Displays:
- Main Internal Display: ~7.58-inch foldable screen with Under-Display Camera (UDC)
- External Cover Display: ~5.25-inch screen with punch-hole camera
- Form Factor: Described as a "wide" foldable, offering a more tablet-like horizontal experience when unfolded.
- Rear Camera: Dual 48MP sensor setup (testing phase).
- Key Feature: Advanced hinge mechanism focused on strength and minimizing display crease.
- Expected Launch: 2026.
A "Wide" Form Factor and Display Specifications
The leaks describe Apple's foldable not as a tall, narrow device like many current models, but as a "wide" foldable. When unfolded, it is expected to resemble a small tablet with a significant horizontal footprint. The internal main display is pegged at approximately 7.58 inches, putting it in direct competition with the likes of last year's Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. The external cover screen is said to measure around 5.25 inches. Interestingly, the report suggests that while Apple and Samsung are both evaluating this wider design, a Chinese manufacturer may be the first to bring such a form factor to market.
Comparative Form Factor Context: The leak suggests Apple's foldable will differ from the tall, narrow book-style foldables common today (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series). The "wide" design implies a different aspect ratio that may be better suited for multi-tasking and media consumption when unfolded, similar to a traditional tablet. The report notes Samsung is also evaluating this design direction.
Camera Strategy and Display Technology
Apple's approach to the front-facing cameras appears to be a hybrid one. The main foldable display will reportedly feature an under-display camera (UDC), allowing for an uninterrupted viewing experience. This aligns with rumors that future standard iPhones will also begin moving sensors beneath the screen. Conversely, the external cover display is expected to use a more conventional punch-hole camera cutout. On the rear, a dual-camera system is in testing, with both sensors rumored to be 48MP.
The Pursuit of the Perfect Hinge and Crease
A central theme in Apple's long-rumored development of a foldable has been its obsession with minimizing the visible crease. The company is said to have waited years to enter the market until it could perfect this aspect. The latest leaks describe the hinge mechanism as "very strong" and "very advanced," likely representing a significant engineering effort. While it may not achieve a completely invisible crease, the goal is to reduce it to a level that is imperceptible during normal use, potentially surpassing current industry standards.
Timeline and Market Context
All signs point to a 2026 launch for the foldable iPhone, which would position it to debut alongside the anticipated iPhone 18 series. Its arrival is seen as a potential catalyst for a foldable market that, while established, has been craving innovation from a major player like Apple. By combining a distinctive wide form factor, a strategic return to Touch ID, and a focus on hinge durability and display quality, Apple's foldable iPhone aims to offer a differentiated experience rather than simply following existing trends.