As the smartphone industry eagerly anticipates Apple's entry into the foldable market, new detailed renders and specifications for the rumored "iPhone Fold" have surfaced online. These leaks, emerging from a controversial source, paint a picture of a device aiming to tackle one of the format's most persistent challenges while establishing a new high-end tier for Apple's lineup. The information suggests a potential launch window in the latter half of 2026, setting the stage for a significant shift in the competitive landscape.
Controversial Source Returns with iPhone Fold Details
The latest information comes from Jon Prosser of Front Page Technology (FPT), a leaker currently involved in a legal dispute with Apple over alleged trade secret theft. Despite the lawsuit filed in July 2025, Prosser has continued to release renders and details about unreleased Apple products. His newest video, published on December 24th, offers a comprehensive look at the iPhone Fold based on what he claims are internal specifications. This follows earlier CAD-based leaks from other sources, indicating a consistent flow of information about the device's development from multiple channels within the tech rumor ecosystem.
Key Claims vs. Contradictions:
| Feature | Claim from Leak (FPT) | Contradicting Information / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Crease | Eliminated via a metal plate & liquid metal hinge. | Other analysts state the crease issue is not yet fully solved. Chinese OEMs already offer very minimal crease. |
| Camera Layout | Specific placement shown in renders. | GSMArena notes the render's front camera placement conflicts with earlier, more reliable CAD data. |
| 2026 iPhone Lineup | Suggests only three new models. | Contradicts frequent supply chain mentions of a fourth model, the iPhone 17e. |
| Source Reliability | Presents as definitive insider info. | Source (Jon Prosser) is currently being sued by Apple for alleged trade secret theft. |
Design and Key Specifications Revealed
According to the leaked renders, Apple has opted for a book-style foldable design, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, closing the debate on a clamshell form factor. The device is portrayed with a minimalist aesthetic, initially in classic black and white color options. When closed, it is reported to be approximately 9mm thick, only slightly more than the current iPhone 17 Pro Max. Upon opening, it allegedly thins to a remarkable 4.5mm. The external cover display is said to measure 5.5 inches, while the main internal flexible screen expands to a 7.8-inch iPad-like canvas. The camera system is rumored to include four sensors: one on the cover screen, two on a rear camera bar, and one on the internal display for video calls.
Reported iPhone Fold Specifications (Based on Leaks):
- Form Factor: Book-style (similar to Galaxy Z Fold)
- Displays: 5.5-inch cover screen; 7.8-inch main internal screen
- Dimensions: ~9mm thick when closed; ~4.5mm thick when open
- Cameras: Four total (Cover screen, two rear, one internal screen)
- Biometrics: Touch ID in power button (No Face ID)
- Modem: Apple's 2nd-gen in-house "C2" chip
- Battery: Estimated 5400-5800mAh (high-density)
- Colors: Black, White (initial options)
- Estimated Price: USD 2,000 - USD 2,500
- Potential Branding: iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra
The Claimed "Crease-Less" Hinge Technology
A central claim in the leak is that Apple has developed a hinge mechanism that effectively eliminates the visible crease common to most foldable displays. Prosser's report suggests the use of a specialized metal plate within the hinge to distribute bending pressure evenly, combined with a liquid metal component, to achieve a flatter screen. It is important to note that other industry analysts have contradicted this, stating that completely removing the crease remains a significant engineering hurdle that Apple has not yet fully overcome. Chinese manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi have also made substantial progress in minimizing the crease, making it a highly competitive area of innovation rather than an Apple-exclusive breakthrough.
Biometric and Connectivity Shifts
In a notable departure from recent iPhone design, the leaks indicate the iPhone Fold will not feature the standard Face ID system. Instead, Apple is said to be integrating a next-generation Touch ID sensor directly into the power button. For connectivity, the device is rumored to be among the first to ship with Apple's second-generation in-house modem, codenamed "C2," aiming to improve upon cellular performance and efficiency. Powering the device could be a high-density battery with a capacity estimated between 5400mAh and 5800mAh, as noted by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, which would be essential for the larger dual-screen setup.
Market Impact and Pricing Expectations
Analysts have long predicted that Apple's entry would be the catalyst needed to move foldable phones from a niche product to a mainstream segment. Current foldables hold only 1% to 2.5% of the global market, but forecasts suggest this could grow to around 5% by 2028 following an Apple launch. Reflecting its premium positioning, the iPhone Fold is expected to carry a starting price between USD 2,000 and USD 2,500. There is also speculation that Apple may brand this device as the "iPhone Ultra," distinguishing it from the standard Pro models, though "iPhone Fold" remains a straightforward and likely candidate for consumer recognition.
A Cautious Approach Amidst Competing Claims
While the renders provide a tantalizing glimpse, caution is warranted. The source's ongoing legal issues with Apple cast a shadow over the information's provenance. Furthermore, technical details like the "crease-less" display conflict with other reliable reports, and certain design elements in the renders, such as the front-facing camera placement, have been flagged as inconsistent with earlier, more credible CAD leaks. The journey from rumor to reality is often fraught with misdirection, and Apple's final product may differ in key aspects as it navigates the complex engineering challenges of creating a durable and polished foldable experience.