Rumors about a foldable iPhone have been circulating for years, with speculation that Apple has been slow to develop the technology. However, a new leak has surfaced, suggesting a potential release window and key specifications for Apple’s first foldable iPhone. According to the leak, Apple’s inaugural foldable device will adopt a book-style design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, featuring a 12-inch inner display and a dual-camera setup on the rear.
X user HaYaO (Shun HaYaO) has shared details indicating that Apple plans to launch the foldable iPhone as early as fall 2026. The source suggests that there has been little progress on smaller, flip-style foldable phones, with Apple instead focusing on large foldable devices that open like a book to provide a tablet-sized display. The foldable iPhone is said to measure 9.2mm in thickness when folded and just 4.6mm when unfolded, making it significantly thinner than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which has a folded thickness of 12.1mm.
The leak claims that the internal display is equivalent to two 6.1-inch iPhones placed side by side, resulting in a total screen size of over 12 inches. This aligns with reports that Apple has been testing larger foldable prototypes rather than focusing on more compact foldable designs. The tipster estimates that Apple will sell between 8-10 million units in 2026 and double that figure to 20 million units in 2027. Foxconn is expected to handle production in 2026, with Luxshare potentially joining as a supplier in 2027.
Samsung is rumored to be supplying the display for Apple’s foldable iPhone, developing a new Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) Lens technology exclusively for the device. This would be a variation of the UTG material used in Samsung’s existing foldable displays. The hinge is reportedly designed by Apple but manufactured by Taiwan-based suppliers, while other internal components could come from Lingyi. The device is expected to feature an aluminum alloy middle frame, which could contribute to its thin and lightweight design.
The foldable iPhone is tipped to feature a dual rear camera system, consisting of a main camera and an ultra-wide-angle sensor. Notably, the leak does not mention a telephoto lens, raising questions about whether Apple is simplifying the camera setup to keep costs down. There is also speculation that the phone could incorporate Meta Lens technology for an ultra-thin front camera, which has been rumored for future iPhones, though recent reports suggest it may no longer be planned for the iPhone 17 lineup.
Battery capacity is another key aspect of the leak, with the foldable iPhone expected to feature a 5,000mAh battery, utilizing a 3D-stacked design developed by Apple’s supplier ATL. This could help maximize battery life while maintaining a slim profile. While a larger battery might suggest improved endurance, it remains to be seen how efficiently Apple will optimize power consumption for the foldable display.
Despite years of rumors about Apple developing a clamshell-style foldable iPhone similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, the latest reports indicate that the company’s focus remains on larger foldable devices. The leak suggests that Apple’s hinge design will allow for minimal screen creasing, a challenge that other manufacturers have struggled to overcome. With Apple’s meticulous approach to hardware design, the foldable iPhone could potentially offer a more refined experience than existing foldable smartphones.
While the leak provides intriguing details, some of the claims should be approached with skepticism. For instance, the rumored thickness of 4.6mm when unfolded is significantly thinner than any foldable device currently on the market. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which has undergone multiple iterations, is 5.6mm thick when unfolded, making Apple’s rumored design seem exceptionally thin. Additionally, reports have been conflicting regarding Apple’s choice of display supplier, with some sources suggesting that a final decision has not yet been made.
The projected launch window of fall 2026 aligns with previous reports from analysts such as Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, who have indicated that Apple is targeting late 2026 or early 2027 for its first foldable iPhone. The company is reportedly aiming to capture a segment of the market that has been hesitant to adopt foldable phones due to concerns about durability, usability, and software optimization.
In addition to the foldable iPhone, the leak also hints at the launch of a foldable iPad or MacBook in 2027. This aligns with previous reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has suggested that Apple is developing a foldable MacBook with a full-screen folding display.
