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A New Direction for the iPhone
For years, rumors have swirled about Apple joining the foldable phone race. Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says 2026 could finally be the year. According to his report, Apple is testing a design that flips open like a book, with a small outer screen for quick use and a large inner display that stretches close to 8 inches when unfolded.
That setup would let the foldable serve two purposes: a pocket-friendly phone when closed and something closer to a mini tablet when opened.
Camera System Rumors
The rumored foldable could carry four cameras in total. On the outside, users would get a front-facing selfie camera and a dual rear system that likely combines a main lens with either a telephoto or ultra-wide. Inside, a fourth camera would handle selfies and video calls when the device is open.
This flexible setup lines up with the idea of a device designed to work in different modes, whether folded or unfolded.
Why Touch ID Could Return
One surprise detail in Gurman’s report is the possible return of Touch ID. Unlike recent iPhones that rely on Face ID, the foldable may instead use a fingerprint sensor built into the side button.
The reason is simple: thickness. Foldable phones must stay slim, and analysts expect this device to measure just 9.5mm when shut. That leaves no room for the bulky hardware that powers Apple’s Face ID.
Apple’s Own Modem Inside
The foldable is also expected to run on Apple’s C2 cellular modem, which will be the company’s second-generation in-house chip. It promises faster speeds and more control over performance. And like the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, the foldable may ship without a physical SIM slot, moving entirely to eSIM worldwide.
Launch Window, Price, and Options
If the rumors are accurate, suppliers will begin preparing for production in early 2026 with a possible fall release. Color choices are said to be limited to black and white at launch.
As for price, it won’t come cheap. High-end foldables from Samsung and others already sell for around $1800, and Apple is unlikely to undercut them.
What This Could Mean for Apple Fans
A foldable iPhone would mark the most dramatic design shift since the first iPhone went all-screen. But being first-generation, its appeal will come down to durability, usability, and whether Apple can convince people to pay premium pricing for a new form factor.
The only certainty for now is that Apple is exploring this path seriously. If the 2026 launch window holds, the foldable iPhone could reshape how we think about Apple’s most iconic product.
So, here’s the question: would you switch to a foldable iPhone, or stick with the traditional design?
