Slated for a Fall 2026 launch, it's expected to be Apple's most expensive iPhone yet, potentially costing around $2,400 (₹216,000 to ₹217,000 INR).

Apple's long-anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market is taking shape with a distinctive design approach that sets it apart from competitors, according to fresh leaks from multiple sources published today.
The iPhone Fold will feature a book-style design with a 7.7-inch inner display that's "more wide than tall" when unfolded, resembling Apple's largest iPads in landscape mode, according to a report from The Information. The device's outer display will measure approximately 5.3 inches. This wider aspect ratio distinguishes Apple's foldable from Samsung and Google devices, which typically unfold to displays that are taller than they are wide.
Ditching Face ID for Thinness
In a significant departure from recent iPhone designs, the foldable will replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, according to prolific Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station. The decision stems from Apple's emphasis on achieving an ultra-thin profile, with the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID requiring too much internal space for the compact foldable chassis.
The device will feature dual 48-megapixel rear cameras and a 24-megapixel under-display selfie camera on the inner screen. The outer display will use a punch-hole camera design. Digital Chat Station also reports the foldable's hinge has been engineered to be "very strong," addressing durability concerns that have plagued competing devices.
Premium Pricing, Fall 2026 Launch
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone Fold in fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. Pricing estimates range from $2,000 to $2,400 (₹180,000 to ₹220,000 INR), positioning it as Apple's most expensive iPhone and among the priciest foldables on the market. Fubon Research analyst Arthur Liao specifically forecasts a $2,399 (₹2,16,786 INR) price tag, citing increased component costs including the OLED display, hinge mechanism, and crease-reduction technology.
The foldable iPhone, identified internally by the codename V68, was confirmed in a recent iOS 26 beta leak that revealed Apple's development pipeline. Despite the premium pricing, analysts project Apple could sell between 10 to 15.4 million units of the device, banking on the company's loyal customer base and ecosystem advantages.
Published: 17 Dec 2025, 02:56 pm IST
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