### The Forthcoming Foldable iPhone: Current Insights
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has shared fresh details regarding Apple’s eagerly awaited foldable iPhone, which is anticipated to launch in 2026. According to Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, this device will showcase a distinctive design that unfolds like a book, revealing a larger internal display akin to existing Android foldables.
#### Design and Display
The foldable iPhone is predicted to feature four cameras: one on the front display, one internally, and two on the rear. When closed, it will operate as a conventional iPhone with an outward-facing touchscreen that spans between 5 to 6 inches. This design facilitates a flexible user experience, meeting both compact and expansive display preferences.
Upon opening, users will be greeted with an impressive 8-inch internal screen, improving functionality for various uses, such as media viewing and multitasking.
#### Camera Features
The addition of four cameras boosts the device’s multifunctional capabilities. The front camera will cater to standard selfie requirements, while the primary rear camera is expected to be high-resolution for exceptional photography. The functionality of the second rear camera remains unclear, with potential uses spanning from ultra-wide to telephoto.
#### Touch ID and Biometrics
Notably, the foldable iPhone will incorporate Touch ID for biometric verification, moving away from the Face ID system seen in recent iPhone iterations. This choice results from the device’s stringent thickness criteria, with the closed unit measuring roughly 9.5mm thick—less than 5mm per half. The complexity of the TrueDepth camera system required for Face ID would not be feasible in this slender profile, leading Apple to embed a fingerprint sensor into the side button for convenient access.
#### Connectivity
The foldable iPhone will include Apple’s proprietary C2 modem, promising enhanced connectivity speeds. This modem will make its debut in the forthcoming iPhone 17 Air model and represents a substantial upgrade from the C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e. Importantly, both the iPhone 17 Air and the foldable iPhone will lack SIM card slots, in line with Apple’s shift towards eSIM technology.
#### Market Position and Pricing
As Apple’s initial step into the foldable sector, the device is expected to generate considerable consumer interest. However, pricing will be a pivotal factor in its appeal. Current premium Android foldables begin around $1800, and it is anticipated that Apple’s model will not be significantly cheaper.
Initially, the foldable iPhone will launch in black and white colorways. Production is set to accelerate early next year, with a consumer rollout expected in the fall of 2026.
#### Future Developments
Looking ahead, Apple intends to revamp its standard pro iPhone model with a fully glass design in 2027. For the current year, the iPhone 17 series will retain a look similar to the iPhone 16, featuring a newly shaped camera module and introducing the notably slim iPhone 17 Air.
In conclusion, the impending foldable iPhone marks a crucial progression for Apple into the foldable smartphone arena, highlighting innovative features and design aspects that respond to shifting consumer demands. As the launch approaches, additional information is likely to surface, influencing the device’s reception in a competitive market.
