# Foldable iPhone: Ultra-Slim Design and Specifications Revealed
The technology industry is buzzing with speculation and leaks regarding Apple’s possible entry into the foldable phone arena. Throughout the years, anticipation surrounding a foldable iPhone has persisted, but new reports indicate that Apple is finally progressing towards launching such a device. Sources indicate that the foldable iPhone could make its appearance as early as 2026, and the most recent leaks offer fascinating details about its design, specs, and manufacturing schedule.
## **An Anticipated Breakthrough**
Apple has allegedly been investigating foldable technology for several years, but the company’s careful product development strategy has postponed its debut in this sector. However, fresh leaks suggest that Apple has achieved noteworthy advancements and is gearing up to unveil its inaugural foldable iPhone in the autumn of 2026. This aligns with Apple’s approach of refining technology before market introduction, guaranteeing a high-quality and sophisticated product.
### **Design and Form Factor**
The foldable iPhone is anticipated to feature a “Fold-type” design, akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup, instead of a clamshell design like the Galaxy Z Flip. This indicates that the device will present a sizable inner display that folds in half, alongside a smaller outer display for swift access to notifications and applications.
A key highlight of the foldable iPhone is its extremely thin profile. When opened, the device is rumored to be only 4.6mm thick, making it thinner than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6. When closed, the thickness expands to 9.2mm, which remains impressively slender for a foldable gadget. This design could establish a new benchmark for foldable smartphones, focusing on portability and sophistication.
### **Display Technology**
The inner screen of the foldable iPhone is expected to be between 7.6 and 7.9 inches in size, comparable to other Fold-type products currently available. The outer screen, on the other hand, could measure approximately 6.1 inches, akin to the dimensions of a typical iPhone display. It is rumored that Samsung will serve as the sole supplier of the foldable OLED panels, which will be shielded by Ultra Thin Glass—a technology that Samsung has already refined for its own foldable offerings. However, Apple is reportedly developing a customized variant of this glass to boost durability and functionality.
### **Materials and Build Quality**
Apple is renowned for its exceptional build quality, and the foldable iPhone will uphold this reputation. The device is expected to utilize a titanium alloy, stainless steel, or carbon fiber framework for the foldable screen. The hinge mechanism, an essential element of any foldable device, will be custom-engineered by Apple and may cost up to $110 per unit. The frame encapsulating the internal components will be constructed from aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet robust build.
### **Camera System**
The foldable iPhone will allegedly sport a dual-camera arrangement on the rear, featuring wide and ultra-wide sensors that utilize hybrid glass-plastic lenses. On the front, Apple is poised to integrate a proprietary Meta Lens ultra-thin technology for the Face ID system. Nevertheless, there is no information regarding a dedicated zoom lens, which might be a disadvantage for photography aficionados.
### **Battery and Performance**
A 5,000mAh battery will power the foldable iPhone, divided into two sections to accommodate the foldable structure. The battery will feature a stainless steel casing, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro’s power source, and will employ a 3D stacked architecture for enhanced efficiency and capacity. This innovative strategy could enable Apple to provide outstanding battery life despite the device’s slim design and energy-intensive foldable display.
### **Production and Supply Chain**
Leaks suggest that Foxconn will be the main manufacturing partner for the foldable iPhone, with production anticipated to commence in late 2025 or early 2026. Luxshare, another supplier for Apple, may enter the production process in 2027. The New Product Introduction (NPI) phase is planned to kick off in June 2025, allowing Apple and its collaborators sufficient time to fine-tune the manufacturing procedure.
Apple is said to target production of 8 to 10 million units in the initial year, with output increasing to 20 million units by 2027. This prudent strategy reflects Apple’s commitment to ensuring excellence while gradually ramping up manufacturing.
### **Pricing and Market Positioning**
Although the specific cost of the foldable iPhone remains uncertain, the estimated bill of materials is projected to range between $350 and $400. This estimation excludes all components, implying that the ultimate production cost is likely higher. For context, the bill of materials for the Galaxy Z Fold is around $700, with the device retailing for about $1,800. Apple’s foldable iPhone could be priced similarly, aiming at the premium market sector.
## **The Future of Foldable Devices**