A major leak has provided an unusually detailed look at Apple's product roadmap for 2026 and beyond, with the company's long-rumored foldable iPhone taking center stage. Information extracted from an early beta of iOS 26, alongside new claims from a reliable source, paints a picture of a device that aims to be both compact and powerful, but likely at a premium cost. This synthesis of the latest rumors offers the clearest glimpse yet at what Apple's first foray into the foldable market might entail.
Reported Foldable iPhone Specifications (Based on Leaks):
- External Display: ~5.25-inch
- Internal Display: ~7.58-inch foldable
- Rear Cameras: Dual 48MP sensors
- Front Cameras: Hole-punch on cover display, Under-Panel Camera (UPC) on main display
- Biometrics: Touch ID (no Face ID)
- Codenames: V68 (Device), T8160 (A20 Pro Chip - suspected)
- Estimated Launch: Fall 2026
- Estimated Starting Price: ≥ USD 2,000
The Source of the Leak: An Early iOS 26 Build
The broad product roadmap information originates from a prototype Apple device running a very early build of what would become iOS 26. This software, internally labeled as iOS 19 and carrying the version number 23A5234w, was reportedly accessed after the prototype was sold. The sheer number of unreleased product identifiers found within this beta—over 30 across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and wearables—lends significant weight to the leak. Among these, the foldable iPhone is codenamed "V68," confirming its active development within Apple's labs.
Design Philosophy: A Return to Compact Form
Contrary to the trend of ever-larger smartphones, Apple's foldable iPhone may embrace a surprisingly compact design when closed. According to leaker Digital Chat Station, the current engineering prototype features an external screen measuring approximately 5.25 inches diagonally. This would make it smaller than the 5.4-inch display on the iPhone 13 mini, potentially offering a one-handed usability that many users have missed. When unfolded, the device transforms, with the internal flexible screen reportedly measuring around 7.58 inches, providing a tablet-sized canvas for productivity and media.
Camera and Biometric Compromises
The foldable design necessitates several hardware compromises. The camera system is rumored to include twin 48-megapixel sensors on the rear, while the front-facing cameras differ based on the display in use. The external screen is said to use a hole-punch camera, possibly within a Dynamic Island, while the internal folding screen may employ an under-panel camera (UPC) to maximize screen real estate. More notably, the leak corroborates earlier reports that the device will use Touch ID for authentication instead of Face ID. This is likely due to the significant space required for the TrueDepth camera system, which may not fit within the slim profile of a folding device.
Performance and the Broader 2026 Ecosystem
The foldable iPhone is expected to launch as part of a wider refresh of Apple's lineup in 2026. The iOS 26 beta leak references chips like the "A20 Pro" (T8160), which is a likely candidate to power the device. It will exist alongside other anticipated products like the "Vision Air" (N100) spatial computer and a new generation of Macs powered by M5 and M6 series chips. This suggests Apple is preparing a cohesive ecosystem update where the foldable iPhone acts as a new, premium flagship product category.
Select Unreleased Apple Products Referenced in iOS 26 Beta Leak:
- iPhone: Foldable iPhone (V68), iPhone 17e (V159), iPhone 18 Pro/Max (V63/V64)
- iPad: iPad 12 (J581/J582), M4 iPad Air (J707/J708/J737/J738)
- Mac: Low-cost MacBook with A18 Pro (J700), M5/M6 MacBook Pro and Air models
- Wearables: Vision Air (N100), Apple Watch Series 12 (N237/N238), Cheaper Vision Pro (N109)
- Home: AirTag 2 (B589), HomePod mini 2 (B525), Tabletop Robot (J595)
The Premium Price of Innovation
The biggest question surrounding Apple's foldable remains its price. Industry estimates consistently point to a starting price of at least USD 2,000, aligning with current premium foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Given Apple's history of premium pricing for new form factors, a final price tag even higher than this benchmark is a strong possibility. This positions the device not as a mainstream replacement for the standard iPhone, but as a high-end, niche product for early adopters and professionals seeking maximum versatility.
Conclusion: A Bold but Expensive Gamble
The emerging details suggest Apple's foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a device of contrasts: compact yet expansive, innovative yet compromised, and undoubtedly expensive. By potentially prioritizing a smaller, more pocketable form factor, Apple could differentiate its offering in a market dominated by larger foldables. However, the switch to Touch ID and the expected high cost present significant hurdles to mainstream adoption. If these leaks hold true, Apple's 2026 foldable will be a fascinating test of whether the company's design ethos and brand power can convince users to embrace a new, premium-priced paradigm for the iPhone.