The rumor mill is churning with whispers about Apple’s next iPhone models. While the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro are anticipated later this year, speculation is mounting around a potential 2026 release of a foldable iPhone, tentatively dubbed the “iPhone Fold.” This highly anticipated device is expected to compete with established foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, potentially the Galaxy Z Fold 7 by the time Apple enters the arena. Recent leaks provide intriguing details about the iPhone Fold’s display ratios and camera design, fueling the excitement surrounding its potential launch.
A Glimpse into the iPhone Fold’s Design
Leaker Digital Chat Station, cited by MacRumors, has shared insights gleaned from what is purportedly a new engineering prototype of the iPhone Fold. These details offer a tantalizing preview of Apple’s foldable ambitions. According to the leak, the internal display is expected to be a 14.1:1 aspect ratio panel featuring an under-display camera, similar to the technology found in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. This suggests a focus on maximizing screen real estate while minimizing visual interruptions.
The external display is rumored to sport a 14.6:1 aspect ratio and, notably, a hole-punch camera. This would mark a departure for Apple, as the company has yet to embrace the hole-punch design prevalent in Android devices for years. The inclusion of Touch ID integrated into the power button, a familiar feature in Apple’s lineup, also finds mention in the leak.
Corroborating Evidence and Past Rumors
While these leaks are yet to be officially confirmed, Digital Chat Station has a track record of accurate predictions. Further lending credence to these claims is a previous report from Korean news aggregator yeux1122, who indicated earlier this year that Apple was considering a hole-punch front-facing camera for its foldable device.
Interestingly, yeux1122 also suggested a design resemblance to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Other rumors paint a picture of a 7.8-inch, crease-free internal display paired with a 5.5-inch external display. This combination would provide users with a large, immersive screen for multimedia consumption and productivity, while maintaining a pocketable form factor when folded.
Anticipation Builds for the iPhone Fold
With an estimated 18 months remaining before an official unveiling, it’s important to remember that these details are subject to change. However, these early glimpses into the potential design of the iPhone Fold offer a compelling preview of what Apple might have in store for the foldable phone market.
As we await further information, these leaks provide a platform for speculation and discussion, fueling the anticipation for what could be a game-changing entry into the foldable phone arena. While details remain fluid, the possibility of a sleek, innovative foldable iPhone continues to capture the imagination of tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.
