Following years of development and numerous speculations, Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone seems ready to launch next year. Here are five newly rumored features for Apple’s first iPhone Fold.
## ~7.8-inch inner display, 5.5-inch outer display
All current iPhones feature screens in the 6-inch range, spanning from the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 to the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple’s forthcoming iPhone Fold will, within one device, present both smaller and larger display options compared to what’s available today.
Speculated display dimensions include:
– ~7.8-inch inner display
– ~5.5-inch outer display
What will the experience be like with these screens? It’s not difficult to envision. The inner display will be quite similar in size to the 7.9-inch dimension that the iPad mini had prior to its recent bezel-thinning redesign. The outer display will suit fans of the iPhone mini, as that discontinued variant had a 5.4-inch screen.
## Crease-free ‘book fold’ design
Foldable smartphones aren’t a new concept. However, until recently, a significant drawback noted by reviewers has been the visible crease in folding displays. Reports suggest that Apple has developed a “crease-free” inner display.
Removing the crease from the iPhone Fold is just one critical component of the innovative ‘book fold’ design. Another significant aspect is its thickness. Ming Chi Kuo states that the iPhone Fold “will measure 9–9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded.” When opened, it will be thinner even than the upcoming iPhone 17 Air.
## Four cameras total
Cameras rank among the most vital features of any iPhone. Reports indicate that the iPhone Fold will have a total of four cameras:
– 2 rear cameras
– 1 front camera when folded
– 1 front camera when unfolded
Both rear cameras are rumored to be 48MP, but it remains uncertain whether the second lens will be Ultra Wide or Telephoto. Apple is transitioning all iPhone 17 models to a new 24MP front-facing camera this year, making it likely that a very similar camera will be utilized for the iPhone Fold—potentially featuring a hole-punch design.
## Touch ID instead of Face ID
Apple’s flagship iPhones have traditionally incorporated Face ID, beginning with the iPhone X nearly ten years ago. Despite the iPhone Fold’s expected ultra-premium pricing, it’s rumored to utilize Touch ID for user authentication. It’s probable that Touch ID will be integrated into the side button, akin to the iPhone 16e.
Apple may simply be aiming to eliminate the need for dual sets of Face ID components—one for the outer display and another for the inner display. Cost considerations could play a role, but space limitations are likely the main challenge.
## Titanium design
Interestingly, Apple is anticipated to move away from titanium constructions for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max this year. However, this material won’t be absent for long. Reports suggest that the iPhone Fold will utilize titanium in various elements of its design, including both the hinge and casing.
## iPhone Fold features: wrap-up
Numerous analysts are optimistic that Apple’s new iPhone Fold will ignite greater mass-market acceptance for foldable devices in general. We’re still over a year away from gauging market reactions, but the first iPhone Fold appears poised to showcase some enticing hardware.
The more significant question may be: what about the software? Will new windowing or multitasking capabilities in iOS render the expansive inner display valuable? One of Apple’s main advantages lies in its ability to harmonize hardware and software, so it’s intriguing to anticipate what the iPhone Fold will deliver in terms of software capabilities.
