Apple is reportedly developing a foldable iPhone, slated for release in 2026, incorporating four cameras, Touch ID, and Apple’s in-house cellular modem. This information was revealed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his recent Power On newsletter, offering insights into the device’s design and features.
The foldable iPhone is engineered to open like a book, unveiling a larger internal display, reminiscent of existing Android foldable devices. The device will integrate a total of four cameras to enhance its versatility. One camera will be positioned on the front screen for conventional smartphone usage. An additional camera is integrated on the inside for selfies and video calls when the device is unfolded. The rear of the device will feature two cameras, offering advanced photography capabilities.
For biometric authentication, the foldable iPhone will utilize Touch ID. This decision contrasts with recent iPhone models that employ Face ID. The fingerprint sensor will be located in the side button. The rationale for this choice stems from the need to maintain a slim profile for the foldable device. Apple aims to minimize bulk when the device is closed. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that the folded device will measure approximately 9.5mm in thickness. This necessitates each half of the device being less than 5mm thick, exceeding the thinness of previous iPhone models.
The space constraints imposed by this thin design preclude the inclusion of the TrueDepth camera system required for Face ID. Therefore, Touch ID emerges as the viable solution for secure authentication and device unlocking.
Connectivity will be facilitated by Apple’s in-house cellular modem. The Apple C1 modem, which debuted in the iPhone 16e, will also be present in the forthcoming slim iPhone 17 Air model. In 2026, the foldable iPhone is expected to incorporate Apple’s next-generation C2 modem. The C2 modem is engineered to support faster data speeds than its predecessor. The 2025 iPhone 17 Air and the 2026 foldable iPhone will also lack a physical SIM card slot across all models. This decision aligns with Apple’s strategy to transition towards eSIM technology, even in regions outside of the U.S. where physical SIM slots were previously standard.
When closed, the foldable iPhone will function similarly to a standard iPhone. The outward-facing touchscreen will measure between 5 and 6 inches. This screen will be accompanied by a front-facing camera. The primary rear camera will function as the primary camera for high-quality photography. The secondary rear camera will serve as either an ultra-wide or telephoto lens, expanding the device’s photographic capabilities. When unfolded, the internal screen will measure 8 inches and incorporate a dedicated selfie camera.
Given its status as Apple’s inaugural foldable device, high demand is anticipated. Pricing will be a critical factor influencing its market success. High-end Android foldable phones typically cost upwards of $1800. It is unlikely that Apple’s offering will be priced lower than this threshold.
Color options for the initial launch of the foldable iPhone will be limited to black and white. Production is slated to commence early next year. The expectation is to prepare for a consumer release in the fall of 2026.
Looking ahead to 2027, Apple plans to redesign the standard pro iPhone with an all-new glass design. Before the redesign, the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to resemble the iPhone 16 models, at least from the front. A notable change on the back will be a new rectangular design for the protruding camera module. The iPhone 17 Air is being introduced as a new model within the lineup. Its defining feature is its strikingly thin profile.
