Reports suggest the device will feature a book-like design, advanced cameras, and a return to Touch ID, signaling a new era for Apple's smartphone lineup.
Apple is reportedly poised to enter the competitive foldable smartphone market with its first model set for a late 2026 launch. The move, according to multiple industry analysts and supply chain reports, marks a significant shift in the tech giant's strategy, which has long resisted the foldable trend.
Codenamed internally as 'V68', the device is rumored to adopt a book-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. This form factor would allow the phone to open into a larger, tablet-like display. A key focus for Apple appears to be a "crease-free" display, a common point of criticism for existing foldable phones. To achieve this, the company is reportedly exploring a laser-drilled metal support plate and a new in-cell touchscreen technology.
The foldable iPhone is expected to be a premium device with a price tag starting around $1,999. In terms of features, leaks point to a five-camera system—including one on the front, one on the inner screen, and a dual-camera setup on the back. Intriguingly, reports suggest that Apple will return to Touch ID for biometric security on this model, opting to forgo Face ID to achieve a slimmer profile. The device is also rumored to be eSIM-only, continuing Apple's push away from physical SIM cards.
This launch is not just about a new product; it could signal a major change in Apple's release cycle. Some reports suggest that to highlight the new category, Apple may skip the standard iPhone 18 launch in 2026, instead releasing the foldable alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. This strategy would place the foldable iPhone at the center of Apple's fall lineup, hoping to reignite consumer interest and drive innovation in a smartphone market that has become increasingly stagnant.
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