Thanks to a detailed article shared on X (formerly Twitter), we can get a clear picture of the look of Apple’s first foldable iPhone device, its features, and its possible release time.
In Short
- Apple is working on a foldable iPhone which is expected to launch by the fall of 2026.
- The internal screen is expected to be massive at about 12 inches.
- The hinge design is entirely Apple’s own, with an assembled cost of approximately $110.
If the latest leaks are to be believed, Apple is allegedly working on a foldable iPhone. Thanks to a detailed writeup in Chinese, sourced from zwz, and its translation shared by Jukanlosreve on X (formerly Twitter), we might have a clearer picture of what Apple’s first foldable device could look like, its features, and its potential release timeline. While Apple has remained tight-lipped about its foldable plans, this leak provides an interesting glance into what could be one of the most — if not the most — innovative smartphone launches of the decade.
The foldable iPhone is said to feature a large folding mechanism on the left rear side, with a folded thickness of 9.2mm and a single-side thickness of 4.6mm. The internal screen is expected to be massive, comparable to two 6.1-inch phones folded together, resulting in a overall screen size of over 12 inches. This suggests that Apple is aiming for a tablet-like experience when the device is unfolded, which could make it a universal tool for both productivity and entertainment.
One of the most critical components of any foldable iPhone device is the hinge, and Apple appears to be taking a unique approach. The hinge design is completely Apple’s own, with an assembled cost of approximately $110. Key suppliers for the hinge components include Amphenol and Taiwan’s Xinyiheng, while Lingyi is involved in the internal components. The midframe, made of aluminium, is priced at $80 to $90 and is being developed exclusively by Foxconn’s Fulin division. During mass production, secondary suppliers like LANSi and BYD Electronics are expected to join the process.
The display technology for the foldable iPhone is said to be developed exclusively by Samsung, which is no surprise given Samsung’s expertise in foldable screens. The device will allegedly use UTG (ultra-thin glass) Blue, which is currently priced at around $90 to $100. The screen supporting frame is still under consideration, with options like titanium alloy, stainless steel, or carbon fiber being explored. Lingyi, a key supplier, has already provided samples, but the ultimate decision is yet to be made.
The leak also throws light on the camera and battery technology. The front camera will reportedly use Meta Lens ultra-thin technology, with lenses supplied by Largan, Sunwoo, and Lanteega. The rear camera will feature a hybrid glass-plastic structure for both the main and ultra-wide lenses. As for the battery, the folding iPhone is expected to use two stainless steel-cased batteries with a combined capacity of around 5000mAh. These batteries will reportedly feature 3D-stacked cells, developed exclusively by ATL.
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According to the leak, Apple plans to launch the foldable iPhone in the fall of 2026, followed by a foldable iPad or MacBook in 2027. Foxconn, Apple’s long-time manufacturing partner, is reportedly handling the exclusive NPI (New Product Introduction) process, with mass production expected to begin by late 2025 or early 2026. This timeline indicates that Apple is in no hurry to jump the gun and the company will instead take its sweet spot. Time to perfect the design and functionality of its foldable devices. Initial sales projections suggest that Apple could sell 8 to 10 million units in 2026, with that number doubling to 20 million units in 2027. Foxconn will reportedly be the sole manufacturer in 2026, but Luxshare is expected to join the production process in 2027.
Also Read in Hindi: Apple फोल्डेबल iPhone की डिस्प्ले और लॉन्च की जानकारी लीक हो गई है