We’ve been hearing whispers about a foldable iPhone for years. But now, we’re finally starting to get real details and they’re starting to line up. If the latest leaks are accurate, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is coming in late 2026, and it’s going to look very different from anything the company’s released before.
Let’s break down what we know.
Two Screens. Two Sizes.
According to a new report from TrendForce (a pretty reliable name when it comes to supply chain intel), Apple’s foldable iPhone will feature:
- 7.8-inch inner display
- 5.5-inch outer display
That matches up with earlier details from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who mentioned the same screen sizes back in March. The fact that two separate sources are saying the same thing? That gives this some serious weight.
For context, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rocking an 8-inch inner display and a 6.5-inch outer screen. So Apple’s foldable might be slightly more compact, something that could make it more pocket-friendly and potentially more usable one-handed when closed.
A 2026 Launch Is Looking Likely
TrendForce is pointing to a second half of 2026 launch, which puts this thing on track for a September 2026 debut. That would align perfectly with Apple’s usual iPhone release cycle.
And honestly? That timing makes sense. Apple doesn’t just jump on trends, it waits, watches, and then tries to do it better.
With Samsung already several generations deep into foldables, Apple has the opportunity to skip the awkward early years and come out with something polished.
The Inner Display Could Be Crease-Free
One of the biggest pain points with current foldables? The crease. That visible line running right down the center of the display.
But Apple might be tackling that head-on. According to Kuo, the foldable iPhone will feature a “crease-free” inner display, something that even Samsung hasn’t fully solved.
How? Apple will reportedly use a laser-drilled metal display plate that disperses stress when the screen bends. That’s the kind of nerdy, under-the-hood engineering move Apple is known for. And if it works, it could set a new bar for foldable durability and aesthetics.
Touch ID Instead of Face ID?
Here’s a surprise: Kuo says the foldable iPhone won’t use Face ID. Instead, it could feature Touch ID built into the power button, similar to what we’ve seen on the iPad Air and iPad mini.
Other expected specs include:
- Two rear cameras
- One front-facing camera
- No word yet on Apple Intelligence support, but given the timing, it’s almost guaranteed
That move away from Face ID might be driven by space-saving needs in the outer display. Or maybe Apple just wants something that works reliably, even when the phone is half-folded or flat on a table.
Final Thoughts
Between the dual displays, potential crease-free screen, and a completely new form factor, this could be Apple’s biggest iPhone design shift in over a decade.
We’re still over a year out, but momentum is building. If everything stays on track, the foldable iPhone could drop alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026 and finally give us the Apple take on foldables that fans have been waiting for.
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