As the foldable phone market matures, all eyes have been on Apple, the last major holdout from releasing a device with a flexible screen. New leaks from a controversial source have now provided the most detailed look yet at what the tech giant's first foray into foldables might entail, revealing ambitious design goals and a potentially prohibitive price point.
The Source and the Lawsuit
The latest information comes from Jon Prosser, a prominent leaker and YouTuber who runs the FrontPageTech channel. Prosser's claims carry added weight due to his current legal situation; Apple is actively suing him for his alleged involvement in leaking details of the then-unreleased iOS 26. This aggressive legal action by Apple lends an unusual air of credibility to Prosser's new claims about the iPhone Fold, suggesting the company is fiercely protective of its upcoming product roadmap. In a video posted shortly before the US holiday of Christmas, Prosser unveiled detailed 3D renders based on his sources, offering a comprehensive preview of the device's potential form and function.
A Focus on Form Factor and the Crease Challenge
The central promise of Prosser's leak is a device that directly addresses the most common criticism of foldable phones: the visible crease. According to the renders and accompanying information, Apple has engineered a "truly creaseless display." This feat is reportedly achieved through a combination of a specialized metal plate designed to disperse bending pressure and the use of liquid metal in the hinge mechanism. If accurate, this would represent a significant engineering breakthrough and a major selling point, setting the iPhone Fold apart from current competitors from Samsung and Google, which still exhibit varying degrees of a screen crease.
Key Claimed Innovation: The leak emphasizes Apple's solution for a "crease-free" display, utilizing a metal pressure-dispersion plate and a liquid metal hinge, which would address a major criticism of current foldable phones.
Detailed Specifications and Design
The leaked specifications paint a picture of a remarkably slim device. When folded closed, the iPhone Fold is said to measure approximately 9mm in thickness, comparable to a standard smartphone. Upon opening, it allegedly thins to just 4.5mm, which would make it even slimmer than the ultra-thin iPhone Air (5.6mm). The display is described as a 7.8-inch panel when unfolded, offering an iPad-like experience, while the outer cover screen is noted as being 5.5 inches. The camera system is speculated to be a dual-lens setup, potentially featuring dual 48MP sensors, though this remains unconfirmed. Intriguingly, the leak also suggests the return of Touch ID, integrated into the power button—a feature absent from recent iPhone models.
Alleged iPhone Fold Specifications (Based on Leak):
- Display (Unfolded): 7.8-inch, "crease-free" inner display
- Display (Folded): 5.5-inch outer cover display
- Thickness (Folded): ~9mm
- Thickness (Unfolded): ~4.5mm
- Cameras: Dual-camera system (rumored dual 48MP)
- Biometrics: Touch ID integrated into power button
- Modem: C2 modem (for optimized battery life)
- Colors: Black, White
- Estimated Price: USD 2,000 - USD 2,500
- Estimated Launch: September 2026
Market Position and Anticipated Price
The potential market impact of the iPhone Fold is heavily influenced by its expected cost. Prosser estimates the price will fall between USD 2,000 and USD 2,500. This positions it at the very top end of the premium smartphone market, significantly above the base models of its non-foldable iPhone siblings and even pricier than key rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and Google's Pixel Fold. This premium pricing strategy suggests Apple is targeting early adopters and professionals who prioritize the latest form factor and are willing to pay a substantial premium for it. The success of this strategy will depend heavily on whether the device's promised innovations, particularly the crease-free display, deliver a tangibly superior experience.
The Road Ahead and Competitive Landscape
If the rumors hold, the iPhone Fold is slated for a reveal in September 2026, alongside the expected iPhone 18 Pro models. Its arrival would mark Apple's formal entry into a segment pioneered by Android manufacturers. While late to the game, Apple's history suggests it often refines existing categories rather than inventing them. By focusing on solving persistent user pain points like the display crease and potentially offering a uniquely slim profile, the iPhone Fold could redefine consumer expectations for what a foldable phone should be. However, its high price will be a significant barrier, testing the limits of consumer willingness to pay for cutting-edge, but still nascent, mobile technology.