The long-rumored foldable iPhone is one of the most anticipated tech products of 2026. While Apple has remained characteristically silent, a flurry of recent leaks from credible sources is beginning to paint a detailed picture of what the device, tentatively called the iPhone Fold, might look like. The emerging details suggest Apple is not just entering the foldable market but aiming to redefine it with a unique form factor and several unexpected hardware choices that could set it apart from competitors like Samsung and Google.
A Leak Sheds Light on Key Specifications
A significant leak from well-known industry insider Digital Chat Station, posted on December 16, 2025, provides some of the most concrete specifications yet. According to the leak, the iPhone Fold will prioritize a slim profile, opting for a side-mounted fingerprint sensor instead of the Face ID system found on current iPhones or an under-display scanner. The main internal display is reported to measure 7.58 inches and will feature an under-display selfie camera, a technology that hides the front-facing camera beneath the screen for a truly uninterrupted view. The external cover screen is said to be a more compact 5.25 inches with a traditional hole-punch cutout for its camera. Perhaps the most surprising detail is the camera system, which is alleged to be a dual 48MP setup, potentially omitting a dedicated telephoto lens commonly found on flagship rivals.
Reported iPhone Fold Specifications (Based on Leaks):
- External Display: 5.25 - 5.3 inches (hole-punch camera)
- Internal Display: 7.58 - 7.7 inches (under-display camera)
- Aspect Ratio: "More wide than tall" (iPad-like)
- Biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (No Face ID rumored)
- Rear Camera: 48MP dual-camera system (rumored main + ultrawide)
- Battery: 5,000 - 5,500 mAh (rumored)
- Key Feature Goal: Crease-free folding display, strong hinge
A Unique, iPad-Like Aspect Ratio
Further corroborating and expanding on these details, a separate report from The Information suggests Apple's approach to the foldable form factor will be distinct. The report indicates that when unfolded, the iPhone Fold's internal screen will be "more wide than tall," adopting an aspect ratio similar to Apple's iPads. This contrasts sharply with current book-style foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which have taller, squarish internal displays optimized for multitasking. A wider screen would offer a superior experience for watching video content and could make the device feel more like a miniature tablet when open, while the rumored ~5.3-inch cover screen would appeal to users who prefer smaller, one-handed phones.
Engineering Ambitions: A Crease-Free Future and Robust Build
Beyond the screen shape, Apple's engineering goals for the iPhone Fold are becoming clearer. Multiple reports indicate that a primary objective is to eliminate the visible crease that plagues most folding displays. Sources suggest Apple may be on track to deliver the first "truly crease-free" foldable phone, a significant technical achievement that would address a major user complaint. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism is described as "very strong," hinting at a focus on durability that has been a challenge for the category. To power the larger screens, the device is also rumored to house a substantial battery, with capacities speculated to be in the range of 5,000 to 5,500 mAh, which would be crucial for all-day use.
Positioning in a Crowded Market
If the leaks hold true, the iPhone Fold appears positioned as a premium, niche device within Apple's lineup. Its speculated wide-screen design and dual-camera system suggest it may not directly compete on spec sheets with triple-camera Android foldables but instead offer a differentiated user experience focused on media consumption and a unique form factor. The choice of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a potential lack of Face ID also indicate strategic compromises to achieve a desired thinness. As with all pre-release information, these details should be treated as informed speculation until Apple makes an official announcement, expected in the latter half of 2026. Nevertheless, the emerging blueprint suggests Apple is preparing to enter the foldable arena not as a follower, but with a clear vision to carve its own path.