The concept of a foldable iPhone has been akin to a mythical creature in the rumor mill. For eight years, the project has fueled speculation without ever truly materializing. However, things appear to be picking up pace. This time, a leak from the reliable Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station (via Weibo) provides tantalizing details about what could be the very first flip iPhone.
Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to charity in just five years
Diamond batteries powered by nuclear waste promise 28,000 years of clean energy
A More Compact Format Than Competitors?
According to the latest information, Apple is working on a “book-style” design similar to the Google Pixel Fold or Oppo Find N5. The difference? A much more compact form factor. The phone would feature an external display of 5.49 inches—wider and shorter than that of the Oppo Find N5—making it exceptionally easy to handle, in contrast to the current bulky foldables.
Inside, there would be a main screen of 7.74 inches, which, when unfolded, would provide an experience akin to that of an iPad. The ratio between the sizes of the two screens would be unprecedented in the market. Essentially, Apple’s foldable iPhone could offer a real difference in size between the external screen and the internal screen—unlike models from Samsung or Google, which tend to focus on continuity. Whether having such a small main screen is a good idea remains to be seen, of course.
A Technical Challenge Tailor-Made for Apple
Apple’s lengthy development time isn’t without reason. The biggest hurdle remains eliminating the unsightly crease that marks current foldable screens. And knowing Apple, it’s likely the company won’t release a product until this issue is completely resolved.
Another aspect to watch is durability. Foldable screens are delicate, often plasticized, and typically have lower water resistance ratings compared to traditional smartphones. If Apple can overcome these challenges, it might well shake up this still young but rapidly growing market already dominated by Samsung and others.
Not Before 2026 (At the Earliest)
When it comes to timing, patience is required. Sources like Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu suggest a launch is planned between late 2026 and early 2027. Around this time, Apple might also introduce a foldable iPad, marking another technological milestone.
In the meantime, what’s certain is that Apple is advancing at its usual pace: slow and methodical. And if the foldable iPhone does eventually launch, it will need to come with flawless execution, as expectations for Apple are higher than for any other brand.