The Foldable Revolution: iPhone Fold Design Leaks Surface Ahead of Rumored 2026 Reveal

For years, the “iPhone Fog is finally lifting. A series of massive design leaks, CAD renders, and supply chain reports have surfaced, suggesting that Apple’s entry into the foldable market is not only real but potentially arriving much sooner than the skeptics anticipated.

According to prominent leakers like Jon Prosser and reports from The Information, Apple is targeting a September 2026 launch. This puts the “iPhone Fold” (a placeholder name) on a collision course with the iPhone 18 Pro series, signaling a major shift in Apple’s hardware hierarchy.

1. The Design Philosophy: “Wide and Short”

Unlike the tall and narrow aspect ratio of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, the leaked iPhone Fold renders depict a “passport-style” form factor.

• The Inspiration: The design reportedly draws heavy inspiration from the original Google Pixel Fold, opting for a wider chassis that provides a more natural typing experience on the cover screen.

• Aspect Ratio: When unfolded, the device is expected to offer a nearly 4:3 aspect ratio, making it a pocketable alternative to the iPad mini.

• Thickness: In an engineering feat that has reportedly caused friction with suppliers, Apple is aiming for a thickness of just 4.5mm when unfolded and roughly 9mm when closed. This would make it significantly thinner than the current iPhone 17 Pro Max.

2. The Death of the Crease: Liquid Metal and Titanium

Apple’s delay in entering the foldable market has been attributed to one primary obsession: eliminating the screen crease. According to supply chain reports from Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has allegedly cracked the code using a combination of proprietary materials.

• The Hinge: The device will likely feature a liquid metal hinge mechanism paired with a titanium frame. This setup uses a “pressure-dispersing” metal plate that prevents the internal display from forming the dip typically seen in competitors.

• Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG): Apple is reportedly working with Corning to develop a next-generation flexible glass that is more scratch-resistant than the plastic hybrids currently used in the industry.

Technical Specifications: The Leaked 2026 Powerhouse

3. The Biometric Trade-off: Touch ID Returns

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the leak is the absence of Face ID. Reports suggest that the foldable’s incredibly thin chassis—at 4.5mm—simply does not have the depth required to house the TrueDepth camera system.

• The Solution: Apple is expected to bring back Touch ID, integrated directly into the side-mounted power button.

• The Camera Setup: The device is rumored to feature a 24MP under-display camera on the internal screen for an uninterrupted viewing experience, while the rear will house a simplified 48MP dual-camera system to keep the camera bump minimal.

4. Pricing and Market Positioning

If you were hoping for an affordable foldable, the early data suggests otherwise. The iPhone Fold is being positioned as an “Ultra” tier product, with analysts predicting a starting price between $2,000 and $2,499.

This premium price tag is attributed to the high Bill of Materials (BOM), which includes the 2nm A20 Pro chip and the complex hinge assembly. Furthermore, rumors suggest Apple may skip the “standard” iPhone 18 in 2026, forcing a choice between the high-end Pro models or the ultra-premium Fold.

Conclusion: A New Era for iOS

The “iPhone Fold” represents the biggest gamble in Apple’s history since the removal of the home button. By prioritizing a crease-free, iPad-like experience over traditional smartphone dimensions, Apple is betting that the future of mobile productivity is horizontal. While these leaks are based on late-stage engineering prototypes (EVT), the consistency of the reports indicates that the “Foldable iPhone” is no longer a matter of if, but a matter of when.