Fresh leaks have offered a clearer look at what could be Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 series.
The device, widely being called the iPhone Fold, is said to bring the biggest design change Apple has made to the iPhone in years. The new details come from posts shared on China’s social media platform Weibo and are based on early design information.
A new button layout
According to the leak, Apple is changing where the buttons sit on the phone. The volume buttons are expected to be placed on the top right edge, similar to the iPad mini. The reason appears to be internal space. Reports say the main motherboard is located on the right side, which allows Apple to avoid running cables across the device.
The power button, which will include Touch ID, is also said to sit on the right edge. The Camera Control button is expected to be placed there as well. The left side of the phone may be completely clean, with no buttons at all. This could give the foldable iPhone a simpler and more balanced look.
Cameras with a bold look
On the front, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature a single punch hole camera. It will handle selfies and video calls. Face ID is reportedly being dropped to keep the design slim.
On the back, Apple is said to be using a dual camera setup. The cameras will sit inside a raised module that looks similar to the rumoured iPhone Air design. The module will also include an LED flash and a microphone.
One detail that stands out is the colour. The rear camera module is expected to be fully black, even on lighter phone colours. This is a change from current iPhones, where the camera usually matches the body colour. The device is said to launch in at least two colours, including white.
Foldable display and battery focus
Leaks suggest the iPhone Fold will feature a large 7.9 inch inner OLED screen, which is expected to be crease free. The outer display is said to be 5.5 inches, making it the smallest screen on any modern iPhone.
Inside, Apple is reportedly using a stacked internal design. This allows more room for the battery, which is important for a foldable phone. The battery capacity could reach around 5,500mAh, making it the largest battery ever used in an iPhone.
The phone is also expected to run on Apple’s upcoming A20 Pro chip, which is likely to power the iPhone 18 Pro models as well.
Expected launch
Recent leaks suggest Apple is close to finalising the design and hardware. The iPhone Fold is expected to be unveiled in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 lineup.
Pricing is expected to be high. Reports suggest the foldable iPhone could start around $2,400 globally. In India, the price could cross Rs2 lakh, making it more expensive than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
If these leaks prove accurate, Apple’s first foldable iPhone will mark a major shift in design and could set a new direction for future iPhones.
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