
Amid speculations about iPhone 17 launching next month, reports of Apple launching its first-ever foldable smartphone have arrived. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the Cupertino-based company is about to redefine its iPhone lineup with the upcoming foldable iPhone codenamed ‘iPhone Fold’ or ‘iPhone Flip,’ which is expected to arrive in fall 2026.
Industry insiders indicate this device will feature a book-style foldable design with four strategically placed cameras, Apple’s traditional Touch ID, and the C2 modem. If these come true, this foldable iPhone model will mark a significant departure from current models.
Reports suggest that the upcoming foldable Apple device will open like a mini-tablet, featuring a large internal display that ranges between 7.7 and 8 inches. Aside from that, it will have a compact outer screen of nearly 5.5 inches.
The most exciting part of this model is the foldable iPhone camera. It includes a four-camera setup. One of them will be on the front outer display, one on the interior display, and the other two will come with combining wide and ultra-wide or telephoto capabilities.
To make it slimmer, rumors say, the tech giant is sacrificing Face ID and instead bringing Touch ID, which will be integrated into the power button. The primary aim of this change is to reduce the device's weight when folded.
Another thing iPhone Fold is speculated to omit is the physical SIM card slot. Industry insiders say this model will instead provide a complete e-SIM slot powered by Apple’s in-house C2 modem.
With its slim appearance and advanced technological integration, this iPhone model highlights a significant shift toward Touch ID and foldable design. The omission of Face ID provides a slimmer design, which is necessary for a foldable model. Otherwise, it becomes tough to carry the smartphone while folded.
This design reflects both practical issues and the willingness to adapt iPhone fundamentals for new form factors.
Also Read: Ready for a Foldable iPhone? Apple’s 2026 Plan Might Surprise You
These foldable iPhone features exemplify an utmost divergence in Apple hardware design that signals an expensive, innovative avenue of development for its future iPhone line. In addition, if the foldable iPhone launches alongside the iPhone 18 in 2026, this could point to a potential shift in Apple's biannual release tradition.
This suggests that the tech giant is adopting a strategy where premium models will be rolled out in Autumn, while spring releases will be more budget-oriented.
If successful, foldable iPhone may mark a substantial shift in Apple’s hardware strategy, but there are still risks. It is rumored to come at a higher price range of around $2,000; therefore, there’s a chance that users may respond negatively to abandoning Face ID.
Ultimately, Apple's execution of quality, usability, and advanced features in the phone will determine whether it becomes a landmark innovation or a failed experiment.