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ByBryan M. Wolfe
Apple is expected to launch its first “iPhone Fold” in 2026, several years after rival companies like Samsung and OnePlus have already released their own foldable devices. The reason for Apple’s delay in entering the foldable market is not entirely clear. However, one plausible explanation is that Apple has focused on ensuring the device offers a seamless transition between the outer and inner displays.
This week, it was reported that Apple plans to use a liquid metal hinge in the iPhone Fold. This innovation aims to enhance durability and reduce the visibility of the display crease. Creasing was a significant issue for early foldable devices, such as the first Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, but it has improved considerably over the years.
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Many, including Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, say the iPhone Fold’s inner screen is “crease-free.”
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Apple seems to have perfected the crease design and is now focusing on making the foldable part of the iPhone Fold feel familiar.
According to leaker Digital Chat Station, the tablet section of the device will have a “roughly” 4:3 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio has been consistent across many generations of iPad models, as only the 8.3-inch iPad mini offers something different (a 3:2 aspect radio).
Rumors say the first iPhone Fold will offer a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner screen. The phone is expected to offer dual-lens rear cameras and selfie cameras on both folds. Face ID is expected to be missing; instead, the new phone is expected to offer a Touch ID side button.
The iPhone Fold is anticipated to launch in late 2026, accompanying the rest of the iPhone 18 lineup. However, its exact position within the lineup is still uncertain. The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature a traditional model, along with Pro and Pro Max variants, and will also introduce a new model for 2025 called the “iPhone Air.” It remains to be seen whether the iPhone Fold will be the fifth device in this lineup in 2006 or serve as a replacement.
Wherever the iPhone Fold falls in the lineup, there’s no denying it will be an expensive device. Rumors suggest it will launch at between $2,000 and $2,500.
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Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
- Mobile
It looks even more likely the iPhone Fold will release in 2026
Mark Gurman has once more suggested a 2026 release window for the rumored iPhone Fold, adding his own not-insignificant influence to the cascade of other analysts saying the same thing. In his Sunday morning newsletter for Bloomberg, Gurman said he expects the foldable to arrive "next year."
This lines up with predictions made by trusted analyst Jeff Pu. It certainly seems like the rumored device isn't likely to hit shelves anytime soon, and when it does, it could carry the highest price point of any iPhone to date at $2,300.
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- Mobile
iPhone 17 might finally fix Apple’s stingy ways with display upgrades
Social media is currently flooded with all kinds of rumors and concept renders purportedly depicting the upcoming iPhone 17 series. A few reliable insiders have also backed the claims of a fresh design. However, there’s another upgrade situation that will matter to users on a day-to-day basis.
According to Bloomberg, the baseline iPhone 17 model could finally get a high refresh rate aka ProMotion display. “The device is likely to get some small enhancements to its rear camera, as well as a ProMotion display, which allows for smoother scrolling and animation,” says the report.
If you’ve been following the competing Android ecosystem, high refresh rate screens are no longer a talking point. Even budget phones that cost as little as $200 will serve you a 90Hz or 120Hz panel. In the Apple ecosystem, you will have to spend at least a thousand dollars to experience that perk on an iPhone, or an iPad.
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- Mobile
Forget the iPhone 17, new leak says wait for the iPhone 18
The iPhone 17 isn't even out yet and already we're getting word about the following model and signs suggest the iPhone 18 is worth waiting for.
Apple has been reported as working on the manufacturing process for its A20 chip. This, according to GF Securities' Apple analyst Jeff Pu, is a chip that is going to be built on the mind-melting 2nm scale known as N2.
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