As Apple's long-rumored entry into the foldable smartphone market inches closer to reality, a new wave of leaks has painted a detailed picture of what the device, tentatively called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, might entail. These revelations come from sources including the controversial leaker Jon Prosser, who recently resurfaced with new claims despite an ongoing lawsuit from Apple. The leaks suggest a device aiming to solve key foldable pain points like screen creases while making significant design trade-offs, such as ditching Face ID, all for a premium price that could redefine the high-end smartphone segment.
Reported iPhone Fold Specifications:
| Feature | Specification (per leaks) |
|---|---|
| Inner Display | 7.8 inches |
| Outer Display | 5.5 inches |
| Folded Thickness | 9 mm |
| Cameras | 4 total: Inner front camera, Outer front camera, Dual rear cameras |
| Biometric Security | Side-mounted Touch ID (Power Button). No Face ID. |
| Front Camera Design | Punch-hole cutouts (no under-display camera) |
| Hinge Material | Liquid Metal |
| Internal Modem | Apple C2 (2nd gen) |
| Estimated Price | USD 2,000 - USD 2,500 (approx. CNY 14,033 - 17,541) |
| Possible Name | iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra |
| Target Launch | 2026 (with iPhone 18 series) |
The Controversial Source and Apple's Legal Battle
The latest round of information originates from Jon Prosser, a well-known but contentious figure in the tech leak community. In July 2025, Apple filed a lawsuit against Prosser and an associate, Michael Ramacciotti, accusing them of conspiring to steal an iPhone development unit from an Apple employee. The company alleged they unlawfully accessed the device, which was running an engineering version of iOS 26, and used it to create and publicize renders of the unreleased software and hardware. Prosser has denied these allegations, stating he did not conspire to "invade" any phone and was unaware of the specific source of the information he previously shared. His decision to continue publishing details about the iPhone Fold demonstrates a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between leakers and one of the world's most secretive companies.
Design and the Quest for a Crease-Free Display
A central promise of Apple's foldable, according to the leaks, is a significant advancement in display technology aimed at eliminating the visible crease that plagues most current foldables. Prosser claims Apple has settled on a book-style fold similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. To tackle the crease issue, the company is reportedly implementing a multi-pronged solution. A metal plate will be placed beneath the inner screen to evenly distribute folding pressure and prevent localized stress points. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism is said to utilize a liquid metal alloy, chosen for its durability and smooth operation, which further contributes to minimizing the visual footprint of the fold. However, conflicting information from other sources, like the Weibo tipster "Momentary Digital," suggests Apple may still be grappling with technical challenges related to Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass (UTG), indicating the crease-free design might not be a finalized guarantee.
Key Design Claims & Contradictions:
- Crease-Free Design: Jon Prosser claims Apple has solved the crease issue using a metal plate under the screen and a liquid metal hinge.
- Contradiction: Other sources (e.g., Weibo tipsters) suggest Apple is still testing Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) and facing technical challenges in eliminating the crease.
- No Face ID: All sources agree the device will lack Face ID, using a side-mounted Touch ID instead for cost and form-factor usability reasons.
Specifications and a Major Security Shift
The purported specifications outline a device that is powerful yet makes a notable departure from a signature Apple feature. The iPhone Fold is said to feature a 7.8-inch main inner display and a 5.5-inch outer cover screen. When folded shut, its thickness is reported to be 9mm, making it slightly thicker than the alleged 8.75mm profile of the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max. The camera system would include four sensors: a front-facing camera on both the inner and outer displays, and a dual-camera array on the rear. The most significant design change revolves around biometric security. Multiple sources indicate the iPhone Fold will not include Apple's Face ID system. Instead, authentication will be handled solely by a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. Leakers suggest this decision is driven by two factors: improved ease of use for a foldable form factor and cost reduction. By omitting the complex TrueDepth camera array required for Face ID, Apple can achieve a thinner device profile and lower production costs, though this comes at the expense of a technology that has become standard on iPhones since 2017.
Pricing, Naming, and Market Position
If the leaks hold true, the iPhone Fold will command a premium price that places it at the very top of Apple's lineup. Estimates point to a starting price between USD 2,000 and USD 2,500 (approximately CNY 14,033 - 17,541), with one specific rumor citing a figure of USD 2,399. This would position it as an "Ultra" tier product, potentially bearing the name iPhone Ultra. The device is also rumored to include Apple's second-generation in-house modem, the C2 chip, and a high-density battery to power the large dual displays. Color options are initially expected to be classic Apple choices: black and white.
Conclusion: A High-Risk, High-Reward Proposition
The emerging picture of the iPhone Fold reveals Apple's ambitious attempt to enter the foldable market not by merely following trends, but by aiming to solve its core drawbacks. The focus on a crease-free experience and the bold choice to replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID show a company willing to make calculated trade-offs. However, these innovations and the premium components are expected to come at a cost that will test the limits of consumer willingness to pay. As Apple reportedly targets a launch alongside the iPhone 18 series in the latter part of 2026, the tech world will be watching closely to see if this device can fold the future of smartphones into a new shape.