Rumors, Release Date, and Features

Speculation suggests Apple might combine an iPhone and an iPad to create a double-wide phone. Alternatively, the iPhone Flip might fold like the iconic Motorola Razr, or it could feature a triple fold for a larger screen.

These are just rumors, and some experts believe Apple might introduce a foldable iPad before a flip phone. Nevertheless, discussions about a foldable Apple device are increasing. Could it be worth the anticipation?

When Could a Foldable iPhone Be Released?

There’s no official release date for a foldable iPhone, but rumors suggest it might debut in 2026 or 2027. That isn’t too far in the future if it indeed launches.

Here’s why the rumors are gaining momentum:

Is Apple Even Considering the Release of Any Kind of Folding Device?

Even without official details from Apple, it’s clear the company has shown interest in foldable devices for several years.

Patents filed in 2011, 2014, June 2016, August 2016, 2018, and 2020 prove this interest, and there are likely others. Despite this apparent interest, Apple hasn’t brought a foldable device to the market.

These documents outline various designs, some wildly different from others, including ways to fold the device in multiple ways. These plans could also refer to something entirely different, like an e-reader or tablet, instead of a phone.

Another patent filed in 2019 describes a device with a wrap-around display: “In the described embodiment, the flexible display assembly is configured to present visual content at any portion of the transparent housing.”

Could this type of display be integrated into a new kind of foldable phone? The truth is, no one knows at this time.

Our Thoughts on Potential Foldable iPhone Features

As phones have grown larger over the years, they’ve offered more screen space for activities like reading, watching movies, playing games, and multitasking. A foldable phone is perfect for these activities.

No one knows exactly what Apple might develop, though the company is consistently innovative with its new products.

Perhaps Apple would create a version that surpasses others, avoiding a visible crease when the screens fold. Or, as this patent shows, a foldable Apple phone might use self-heating pixels to prevent damage when folding.

Whatever Apple eventually creates, iOS, the iPhone’s operating system, would need a revamp to support multiple displays. It likely wouldn’t differ too much from the typical one-screen iPhone, as significant changes could alienate loyal customers, and the company would probably continue producing standard types of iPhones.

iPhone apps would also need to support multiple screens to look optimal on a dual-screen iPhone. Otherwise, a larger phone would be pointless.

Since a larger phone could resemble a tablet, it might support the Apple Pencil. The latest Pencil version currently works on select iPads, but a large, folding iPhone (especially if it has a triple fold) could feature a massive screen perfect for the Pencil.

These are just dreams, of course, but Apple has surprised its audience before, so there’s room to imagine what new iPhone concept might be on the horizon.

How Could a Foldable iPhone Work?

Several possibilities exist for a foldable phone design: a large, foldable screen like the Galaxy Fold; two separate screens with a visible hinge like the Surface Duo; or three screens—two main ones and a third for use when folded.

Based on leaks, patents, and suggestions, we might see a clamshell design for Apple’s first foldable. The iPhone Flip would look like a typical phone from a distance but would fold vertically and could feature a small screen on the outside, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

Rumors claim Apple is testing multiple prototypes with foldable displays, aiming for a phone half as thin as a typical iPhone to avoid bulkiness when closed. They may release two versions of the flip phone: a dual-screen one and a Z Flip lookalike. Some analysts think the first will be clamshell style.

Here’s an example of what a clamshell iPhone Flip could resemble. The images and videos created by artist Michal Dufka are stunning.

Here’s ConceptsiPhone’s rendering of a dual-screen “iPhone Fold:”

What Industry Experts Are Saying

Apple expert and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the foldable iPhone might have a book-style design, featuring a crease-free inner display close to 8 inches and an outer display around 5.5 inches. TrendForce supports these numbers, specifying a 7.8-inch inner display for the device.

For reference, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 6.9 inches. Therefore, it would indeed be a phone-tablet hybrid—a foldable phablet-style device.

When folded, Kuo says the device might measure 9–9.5mm thick, slimming down to 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded. That’s smaller than Samsung’s latest foldable, which measures 12.1mm and 5.6mm, respectively. The hinge is expected to blend stainless steel and titanium alloy, with a casing of titanium alloy for durability.

The phone will have four cameras: a dual-lens system for the rear, plus a front-facing and an inside camera. Space constraints may make Face ID unfeasible, leading to the return of Touch ID on the side button. Mark Gurman also notes the phone may have no room for a physical SIM card slot.

Kuo also revealed that Apple is testing color e-ink display technology that might be used as a second screen for a foldable device.

What about the price? Kuo predicts the foldable iPhone could launch at a premium price, ranging from $500 to $1,000 more than Apple’s current most expensive offering, potentially reaching $2,500 or more.

Ming-Chi Kuo estimates mass production will start in the fourth quarter of 2026.

If these rumors and experts are onto something, a foldable iPhone just might be worth the wait. The Chinese phone company Huawei released a triple foldable screen phone, so the idea isn’t terribly far-fetched.

Apple is undoubtedly paying attention to competitors like this, which could mean a delayed release of a foldable concept as the company examines competitive devices and tries to one-up them.

If any company can disrupt the entire smartphone industry with a groundbreaking, next-generation foldable phone, it could be Apple. Are you ready?