iPhone Fold (iPhone Flex) 2026: Apple’s First Foldable Phone – Launch Date, Price, Features & Everything You Need to Know
The iPhone Fold is finally happening. After 15 years of development and countless patents, Apple is ready to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first-ever folding iPhone. If you’ve been waiting for Apple to bring its signature polish to foldable phones, 2026 could be the year your patience pays off.
This article is for anyone curious about Apple’s upcoming foldable smartphone – whether you’re an iPhone loyalist, a tech enthusiast, or someone considering their first foldable device. Here, you’ll find everything we know so far: the expected launch date, display technology, camera setup, battery life, software features, and of course, the anticipated India price. We’ve compiled information from reliable leaks and patent filings to give you the most accurate picture possible of what Apple’s foldable future looks like.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display (Outer) | 5.5-inch AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Display (Inner) | 7.8-8 inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 4:3 aspect ratio |
| Processor | Apple A20/A21 Pro Chip |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Primary + 48MP Ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | Single camera with Center Stage |
| Battery | ~5000mAh Lithium-ion |
| Thickness | 4.8mm (folded) |
| Weight | 240-250 grams |
| Build Material | Titanium (expected) |
| Hinge Technology | Liquid Metal Hinge (crease-less design) |
| Biometric Security | Touch ID (side-mounted) |
| Expected Price (India) | ₹2,00,000 – ₹2,30,000 |
| Expected Launch | September 2026 |
Design & Build Quality
Apple has been working on foldable phone designs since 2011 – yes, that’s 15 years of research and development. The company has tested over 50 different prototypes, including book-style folds like Samsung Galaxy Fold, flip-style designs like Motorola Razr, and even reverse-folding concepts.
The final design appears to be a book-style foldable, but with a key difference. Unlike the tall and narrow Samsung Galaxy Fold, the iPhone Fold will have a more squarish, iPad mini-like form factor. This design choice seems intentional, making the device better suited for media consumption and productivity.
Build Materials
Apple is expected to use Titanium for the frame, keeping the weight manageable despite the complex folding mechanism. At 240-250 grams, it’s heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (239g) but comparable to older iPhone Pro Max models with stainless steel frames.
The thickness when folded will be approximately 4.8mm, which is slightly thicker than Samsung’s 4.2mm but thinner than Google Pixel Fold’s 5.8mm. It’s a reasonable trade-off considering this is Apple’s first attempt.
The Revolutionary Hinge
Here’s where things get interesting. Apple is reportedly developing a Liquid Metal Hinge – a hybrid material that combines properties of metal and glass. This hinge is rumoured to be 2.5 times stronger than Titanium and could potentially eliminate the visible crease that plagues every foldable phone today.
What’s surprising is that Apple has collaborated with Samsung and another unnamed company to develop this hinge technology. Yes, the same Samsung that competes with Apple in the smartphone market. Behind the scenes, these companies share more technology than most people realise – Samsung already manufactures displays for iPhones.
Colour Options
Expect Apple to offer this device in Gold and Silver, with the Gold variant potentially featuring a real chrome-like finish that Apple has been saving for a special product.
Display Quality
The display setup on the iPhone Fold could be Apple’s biggest differentiator in the foldable market.
Outer Display
The cover screen measures 5.5 inches with a 120Hz AMOLED panel. It’s smaller than Samsung Galaxy Z Fold’s outer display but wider, making it more usable for quick tasks without opening the phone.
Inner Display
The main attraction is the 7.8-8 inch inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. This is a significant departure from the square-ish displays on other foldables.
Why does this matter? Most foldable phones have square inner displays that create awkward black bars when watching videos. The 4:3 ratio is closer to traditional video formats, meaning:
- YouTube videos will look better without excessive letterboxing
- Movies and shows will fill more of the screen
- The experience will be similar to watching content on an iPad mini
Both displays will feature Apple’s ProMotion technology with 120Hz refresh rate and likely the same peak brightness levels found on current iPhone Pro models.
Crease-Less Display
If Apple’s Liquid Metal Hinge works as intended, this could become the world’s first foldable phone without a visible crease. Every current foldable has a noticeable crease where the screen folds – it’s the most common complaint from users. Apple solving this problem would be a genuine breakthrough.
Performance & Gaming
Processor
The iPhone Fold will run on Apple’s next-generation chip – either the A20 Pro or A21 Pro, depending on the exact launch timing. If it launches with iPhone 18 series in September 2026, expect the same chip powering those devices.
Apple’s chips consistently outperform Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors in benchmark tests, so performance won’t be a concern. The device should handle:
- Intensive gaming (Genshin Impact, BGMI at max settings)
- Professional video editing
- Heavy multitasking with split-screen apps
- Future AI features in iOS
Memory
Apple is going generous with 12GB RAM – matching or exceeding the iPhone Pro Max lineup. This should ensure smooth multitasking, especially when using multiple apps on the large inner display.
Thermal Challenges
Here’s a realistic concern: heating issues. The iPhone 17 Air (slim model) reportedly faces thermal throttling due to its thin design, and the iPhone Fold will likely have similar challenges.
The thin folding form factor limits space for proper cooling solutions. Expect the device to get warm during:
- Extended gaming sessions
- 4K video recording
- Charging while using the phone
This is a trade-off Apple seems willing to accept for the slim design.
Camera Performance
Rear Camera Setup
The iPhone Fold will feature a dual camera system:
- 48MP Primary sensor – likely similar to iPhone 16 Pro’s main camera
- 48MP Ultra-wide sensor – improved from current iPhone ultra-wide cameras
No telephoto lens is included, which is disappointing for a phone at this price point. Apple will likely market the optical zoom capabilities of these two lenses, but don’t expect the same zoom quality as iPhone Pro Max models.
Why Only Two Cameras?
The thin folding design simply doesn’t allow space for a periscope telephoto lens. Apple prioritised the folding mechanism and thin profile over camera capabilities. This is similar to what Samsung does with the Galaxy Z Fold series.
Front Cameras
The device will have cameras on both the outer and inner displays, featuring Apple’s Center Stage technology. This allows the camera to automatically pan and zoom to keep you in frame during video calls – perfect for the larger inner display.
Camera Verdict
If camera quality is your priority, the iPhone Fold won’t replace an iPhone Pro Max. Think of it as having iPhone 16 Air-level cameras in a foldable form factor. The photos will be good, but not class-leading.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery Capacity
Apple is fitting a 5000mAh battery inside the iPhone Fold – similar to iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, real-world battery life will likely be lower due to:
- Two displays consuming power
- Larger internal display demanding more energy
- Limited space for advanced cooling (processor may throttle and consume more power)
Battery Technology
Unfortunately, Apple isn’t using Silicon-Carbon battery technology in the iPhone Fold. This newer technology allows for higher capacity in smaller spaces and is already used by Chinese brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi.
Apple sells over 200 million iPhones annually, and implementing new battery technology across their entire lineup takes time. The iPhone Fold will stick with traditional Lithium-ion cells.
Charging Speed
Exact charging speeds aren’t confirmed, but expect something similar to current iPhone Pro models – likely 27W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. Fast charging comparable to Android flagships (80W-120W) is unlikely.
Software & Updates
This is where Apple could truly differentiate the iPhone Fold from Android foldables.
iPad-Like Interface
The inner display will run a modified version of iOS that resembles iPadOS more than iPhone software. Expect:
- Dock bar at the bottom (like iPad)
- Better multitasking with split-screen and slide-over
- Desktop-class app layouts
- Stage Manager for window management
App Optimization
Apple controls both hardware and software, and they have experience optimizing apps for different screen sizes (iPhone, iPad, Mac). This gives them an advantage over Android foldables, where many apps still don’t properly adapt to larger folding screens.
Apple Pencil Support
There’s speculation that the iPhone Fold might support Apple Pencil – a first for any iPhone. The iPad mini-like form factor would make this practical for note-taking, sketching, and document markup.
Software Updates
Like all iPhones, expect 5-6 years of iOS updates and security patches. This is a significant advantage over Android foldables, which typically receive 4 years of updates at most.
Connectivity & Extra Features
Biometric Security
The iPhone Fold will use Touch ID embedded in the power button – not Face ID. The folding mechanism doesn’t allow space for Face ID sensors on either display. This is a step backward from current iPhones but matches how most foldables handle biometric security.
Other Features
- 5G connectivity (Sub-6GHz and mmWave in select markets)
- Wi-Fi 7 support
- USB-C port (as per EU regulations)
- Satellite connectivity (SOS features)
- MagSafe wireless charging
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| First foldable iPhone – premium build quality | Very expensive (₹2+ lakh) |
| 4:3 aspect ratio better for content consumption | Only dual cameras, no telephoto |
| Potentially crease-less display | Expected heating issues |
| iPad-like software experience | No Face ID, only Touch ID |
| 12GB RAM for smooth multitasking | Heavier than competitors |
| Liquid Metal Hinge technology | No silicon-carbon battery |
| Long software support (5-6 years) | Limited availability initially |
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | iPhone Fold (Expected) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Google Pixel Fold 2 | OnePlus Open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner Display | 7.8-8″ (4:3) | 7.6″ (Square) | 8″ (Square) | 7.82″ (Square) |
| Outer Display | 5.5″ | 6.3″ | 6.3″ | 6.31″ |
| Processor | A20/A21 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB | 16GB | 16GB |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 48MP | Triple (50+12+10MP) | Dual (48+10.8MP) | Triple (48+48+64MP) |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | 4821mAh | 5400mAh |
| Weight | 240-250g | 239g | 283g | 245g |
| Price (India) | ₹2-2.3 lakh | ₹1.64 lakh | ₹1.64 lakh | ₹1.39 lakh |
Key Takeaway: The iPhone Fold will be the most expensive option with potentially the best software experience, but it trails competitors in camera versatility and charging speeds.
Price & Variants in India
Expected Pricing
Based on current leaks, the iPhone Fold is expected to cost around $2500 in the US, which translates to:
- ₹2,00,000 to ₹2,30,000 in India (including taxes and duties)
This would make it Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever – even pricier than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) which costs around ₹1,84,900.
Storage Variants
Expected storage options:
- 256GB – ₹2,00,000 (base variant)
- 512GB – ₹2,15,000
- 1TB – ₹2,30,000
Availability
- Launch: September 2026 (expected with iPhone 18 series)
- Pre-orders: Likely a week after announcement
- India availability: Usually 2-3 weeks after US launch
- Where to buy: Apple Store India, Flipkart, Amazon, authorised resellers
Who Should Buy This Phone?
Ideal Users
- Apple ecosystem loyalists who want a foldable without switching to Android
- Content creators who need a larger screen for editing and previewing
- Business professionals who value multitasking and productivity
- Early adopters willing to pay a premium for new technology
- People who consume lots of video content on their phones
Who Should Avoid It
- Budget-conscious buyers – at ₹2 lakh+, this isn’t value for money
- Photography enthusiasts – the dual camera setup won’t match Pro Max
- Heavy gamers – thermal issues may affect long gaming sessions
- First-time foldable users – better to try cheaper options first
- Anyone happy with current iPhone Pro models – the benefits may not justify the cost
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will iPhone Fold launch in India?
The iPhone Fold is expected to launch globally in September 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 series. India availability should follow within 2-3 weeks of the US launch.
2. What will be the iPhone Fold price in India?
Based on current leaks, the iPhone Fold price in India is expected to be between ₹2,00,000 to ₹2,30,000, depending on storage variant.
3. Will iPhone Fold have Face ID?
No, the iPhone Fold is expected to use Touch ID (fingerprint sensor) embedded in the power button instead of Face ID due to space constraints in the folding design.
4. How many cameras will iPhone Fold have?
The iPhone Fold will feature dual 48MP rear cameras (primary + ultra-wide) and front cameras on both inner and outer displays with Center Stage support.
5. Will iPhone Fold support Apple Pencil?
There’s speculation about Apple Pencil support given the iPad mini-like form factor, but this isn’t confirmed yet.
6. Is iPhone Fold better than Samsung Galaxy Z Fold?
The iPhone Fold offers potentially better software experience and display technology, but Samsung Galaxy Z Fold has more cameras and is significantly cheaper. It depends on your priorities.
7. Will iPhone Fold have a crease on the display?
Apple’s Liquid Metal Hinge technology aims to eliminate the visible crease, potentially making it the first crease-less foldable phone. However, this needs real-world confirmation.
8. What is the battery capacity of iPhone Fold?
The iPhone Fold is expected to have a 5000mAh battery, similar to iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Final Verdict
The iPhone Fold represents Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone market after 15 years of development. With its unique 4:3 aspect ratio display, potentially crease-less screen technology, and iPad-like software experience, Apple is clearly not just copying what Samsung and others have done.
However, let’s be realistic about the trade-offs:
The Good: Revolutionary hinge technology, better aspect ratio for content consumption, excellent software optimization, and long-term updates make this an exciting product for Apple fans.
The Concerns: At ₹2+ lakh, you’re paying premium prices for a first-generation product with only dual cameras, potential heating issues, and no Face ID. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers more cameras at a lower price, and the OnePlus Open provides better value overall.
Buying Recommendation: Wait and Watch
Unless you absolutely need to be an early adopter, consider waiting for:
- Real-world reviews to confirm the crease-less claims
- Battery life and heating performance tests
- Potential price drops during festive sales
- Second-generation iPhone Fold with improvements
For most users, the current iPhone Pro Max or even a Samsung/OnePlus foldable offers better value. But if you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and have the budget, the iPhone Fold could be the foldable you’ve been waiting for.
Disclaimer: All specifications and prices mentioned are based on leaks and rumours. Final details will be confirmed by Apple at the official launch.