As Apple reportedly prepares to enter the competitive foldable smartphone market in 2026, new details about the design and specifications of its first foldable iPhone, tentatively dubbed the "iPhone Fold," have surfaced from a prominent source. These leaks suggest Apple is making significant design trade-offs, including the potential removal of a flagship authentication feature, to achieve its engineering goals for the ambitious new form factor.
The Core Design Compromise: Touch ID Over Face ID
The most striking detail from the latest leaks is the reported absence of Apple's signature Face ID system in the iPhone Fold prototype. According to information shared by Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, the device is expected to rely on a side-mounted Touch ID sensor for user authentication. This decision is attributed to the pursuit of a thinner overall design. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously supported this notion, suggesting that integrating the complex TrueDepth camera array required for Face ID presents significant design challenges within the tight constraints of a foldable chassis. For a device rumored to carry a premium price tag, this represents a notable concession, positioning its biometric security closer to the iPad Air than the flagship iPhone Pro lineup.
Reported iPhone Fold Specifications (Based on Leaks):
- Inner Display: 7.58-inch, with under-display camera
- Cover Display: 5.25-inch, with punch-hole camera
- Authentication: Side-mounted Touch ID (Face ID reportedly absent)
- Rear Camera: Dual-sensor system, at least one 48MP
- Key Materials: Liquid metal & amorphous metal glass composite for hinge
- Cooling: Vapor chamber
- Estimated Price: ~USD 2,399
- Expected Launch: 2026
Detailed Specifications and Display Configuration
The leaked specifications provide a clearer picture of the device's physical dimensions and display technology. The main folding screen is said to measure 7.58 inches diagonally, while the external cover display is a more compact 5.25 inches. In a bid for a cleaner aesthetic, Apple is rumored to be implementing an under-display camera for the main inner screen, allowing for an uninterrupted viewing experience. The cover screen, however, is expected to feature a more conventional punch-hole cutout for its front-facing camera. On the rear, a dual-camera system is planned, with at least one sensor boasting a 48-megapixel resolution.
Engineering Challenges and Material Innovations
Creating a durable and seamless foldable mechanism remains Apple's paramount engineering hurdle. The leaks highlight the hinge as the most challenging component, with Apple reportedly turning to advanced materials like liquid metal and a durable amorphous metal glass composite to enhance robustness and longevity. A key design goal is to achieve a "crease-free" viewing experience on the inner display, a feat that has eluded many competitors. Furthermore, to manage the thermal demands of the powerful internals within a slim profile, the iPhone Fold is also rumored to incorporate a vapor chamber cooling system.
Market Context and Pricing Expectations
The iPhone Fold is positioned as a ultra-premium product. Early estimates suggest a retail price around USD 2,399, placing it in direct competition with other high-end foldables like Samsung's Galaxy Z series. Its launch, anticipated for 2026, is seen by analysts as a potential catalyst to reinvigorate and further mainstream the foldable smartphone segment. By entering the market, Apple brings its considerable design influence and ecosystem, which could accelerate adoption and push the entire category forward. The final product will reveal how consumers weigh its innovative form factor and Apple's integration against the reported compromises in its design.