Rumors about an upcoming foldable iPhone have been circulating for quite some time, but recent reports and leaks have provided more substantial evidence that Apple may soon enter the foldable market. These reports suggest that Apple’s foldable iPhone will feature a unique design, drawing comparisons to popular models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The foldable iPhone is expected to have two displays: an external one with a 5.49-inch screen and a 7.76-inch internal display, boasting high resolutions on both screens.
Punch-Hole Camera Design and Touch ID Side Button in Foldable iPhone Features
A key feature of the rumored foldable iPhone is its external display, which is said to include a punch-hole camera design. This design choice is consistent with the trend seen in modern foldable devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. The punch-hole camera will likely offer users a more immersive display experience, without the intrusion of a large notch or camera bump. This design choice is one of several details that have surfaced through reports from reliable sources like 9To5Mac and the Korean blog yeux1122, further fueling the anticipation for a foldable iPhone.
Foldable iPhone Rumors Highlight Touch ID, Dual Displays, and 2026 Release WindowAnother important aspect of the foldable iPhone design is the decision to forgo Face ID in favor of a Touch ID side button, similar to the iPad Air. According to well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this choice is due to the thickness and internal space limitations of a foldable device.
While Face ID has become the standard biometric security feature on iPhones since the iPhone X, the foldable iPhone may not have the necessary space to incorporate this technology. In contrast, competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 have opted for facial recognition, although users have reported some functionality issues with these systems.
Absence of Dynamic Island and Potential Traditional UI in Foldable iPhone Design
The use of Touch ID on the foldable iPhone suggests that some features familiar to iPhone users may be absent. Notably, the foldable iPhone is unlikely to include the pill-shaped Dynamic Island, which is used for quick access to apps and notifications on newer iPhones. Instead, the foldable iPhone may adopt a more traditional user interface, focused on maximizing the functionality of its foldable design rather than pushing the boundaries of software features. This decision might be influenced by the technical constraints of foldable displays, which require a more streamlined design.
While rumors about foldable iPhones and iPads have circulated for years, the latest reports indicate that a foldable iPhone may finally be on the horizon. Industry insiders like Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggest that the device could be released as soon as late 2026, a timeline that aligns with previous predictions for Apple’s entry into the foldable market.
Although the specifics of the foldable iPhone’s design and features are still speculative, the increasing frequency and detail of these reports suggest that Apple is indeed working on a foldable device, with a potential launch within the next few years.
