Apple's iPhone Fold: Anticipated Features and Launch Details

Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable smartphone, tentatively named the iPhone Fold, later this year. This new device marks a significant shift for the company, which has adhered to a traditional smartphone design for years. Speculation suggests the iPhone Fold may also be referred to as the iPhone Ultra to emphasise its advanced capabilities.

The launch aligns with pivotal changes at Apple. Following the company's 50th anniversary, John Ternus, currently the hardware chief, is set to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on 1 September 2026. Industry analysts view the release of the iPhone Fold as a potential beginning of a fresh era for Apple.

Recent leaks have revealed images of dummy units and computer-aided design (CAD) renders, suggesting a book-style design and a slightly wider profile compared to existing foldables, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The iPhone Fold is anticipated to feature a liquid metal hinge, enhancing durability for the foldable mechanism.

In terms of design, the iPhone Fold is rumoured to sport a 7.8-inch inner display alongside a 5.5-inch outer screen, both likely utilising Samsung’s M16 OLED technology. The device may measure approximately 9.23mm when closed, making it one of the slimmest foldable smartphones available, further distinguished by a possible lack of Face ID and the integration of punch-hole cameras instead.

The anticipated camera setup for the iPhone Fold includes a dual rear camera configuration featuring a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. It may also utilise a 24-megapixel camera under the inner display while employing 18-megapixel sensors for the outer display.

Under the hood, the iPhone Fold is likely to be powered by Apple’s upcoming A20 Pro chip, fabricated on a 2-nanometre process, promising both enhanced performance and energy efficiency compared to the A19 Pro found in the iPhone 17 Pro series. The device is expected to be equipped with 12GB of RAM and storage options of up to 1TB, optimising multitasking functionality crucial for foldable devices.

The iPhone Fold might house the largest battery ever in an iPhone, estimated between 5,400mAh and 5,800mAh. However, details regarding charging speeds remain elusive, and the potential for an eSIM-only configuration across all markets has been highlighted.

As for colours, early reports suggest the iPhone Fold will launch in traditional shades, including black and silver. It is expected to operate on iOS 27, bringing enhanced artificial intelligence features alongside a revamped Siri.

The expected pricing for the iPhone Fold indicates it will enter the high-end market, with estimates suggesting a starting price around $2,400 (approximately ₹2,25,000) in the United States, significantly higher than current iPhone models.

This release will most likely coincide with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, making it one of the standout devices at the forthcoming September 2026 event, which will be the first led by John Ternus as CEO. Analysts are keen to observe how Apple positions this pioneering device within its existing product range and the wider smartphone market, given the competition from established foldable lines and consumer expectations for innovation.