The long-awaited foldable iPhone seems to be on the horizon, with the latest reports suggesting a launch as early as next year. With Apple making headway in the foldable phone race, the iPhone Fold is expected to come packed with innovative features, including Face ID integrated directly into the screen. Here’s a look at the rumors, leaks, and what could be the next big thing in Apple’s smartphone lineup.
iPhone Fold: What to Expect in 2026
Rumors of a foldable iPhone have been circulating for years, dating back to 2017, when Apple patented a folding display. The speculation gained momentum in 2023, especially after a leaked memo from Apple’s John Ternus, describing the company’s ambitious product roadmap. This suggested that 2026 would be the year when Apple would finally unveil its foldable iPhone.
Until now, there’s been debate over whether Apple would adopt a flip design (similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip) or a fold (similar to the Galaxy Z Fold). Recent reports indicate that Apple is opting for a fold design, where the device would resemble a standard iPhone that unfolds into something closer to an iPad Mini.
Face ID Technology Embedded Beneath the Display
Among the most anticipated features is the integration of Face ID directly into the iPhone Fold’s display. Apple has been working on this for years, and while embedding Face ID under the display was once thought to be too challenging, the company appears to have overcome significant obstacles. The biggest hurdle was ensuring that infrared light – necessary for Face ID’s operation – could pass through the screen without sacrificing speed or reliability.
Apple’s solution may lie in removing certain subpixels from the display to improve the infrared light transmission, a strategy hinted at in a recent patent. If this technology makes it into the iPhone Fold, it will set a new standard for biometric security in smartphones.
Inner and Outer Screen Specifications
According to well-known leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS), we now have more detailed specs of the iPhone Fold’s screen dimensions. The inner screen is expected to measure 7.76 inches with a resolution of 2713 x 1920 pixels, while the outer screen will be 5.49 inches with a resolution of 2088 x 1422 pixels. These figures align closely with earlier reports, including Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s expectations, who had previously estimated the device’s screens to be 5.5 inches on the outside and 7.8 inches on the inside.
However, there’s a difference in how Face ID will be implemented. While some analysts, including Kuo, initially believed Touch ID would be more feasible due to thickness constraints, the leaker DCS points to Face ID technology being embedded directly into the inner screen.
What Undercode Says:
The rumors surrounding the iPhone Fold are beginning to solidify, and it’s becoming clear that Apple’s ambitions for a foldable phone go beyond just adding a new form factor. With the inclusion of Face ID under the screen, Apple is demonstrating its commitment to pushing boundaries in both hardware and software. The integration of this feature isn’t just about convenience; it’s a leap forward in mobile security and a significant advancement in display technology.
The decision to opt for a foldable design, as opposed to a flip, makes sense given Apple’s emphasis on larger screens for multimedia consumption. An unfolded iPhone resembling an iPad Mini could open up exciting possibilities for gaming, multitasking, and content creation, all while maintaining the familiar iPhone experience.
However, there are also challenges to consider. The foldable phone market, though growing, is still a niche, and the high price point expected for the iPhone Fold, potentially hovering around $2,000, could limit its appeal to early adopters or those in higher income brackets. Much like Apple’s Vision Pro, the iPhone Fold may serve as a proof of concept that sets the stage for more affordable iterations in the future.
It’s also important to recognize that while Face ID technology embedded beneath the display is groundbreaking, it remains to be seen whether this solution will be as seamless as Apple’s current implementation of Face ID. Any issues with reliability or performance could tarnish the device’s reputation, especially given Apple’s high standards for user experience.
The broader implications of Apple entering the foldable market will be felt across the smartphone industry. Competitors like Samsung and Google may need to accelerate their own foldable phone strategies, and other brands could follow suit with their versions of flexible displays. Apple’s entry could also influence the direction of other technologies, including biometrics and display innovation, further pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile tech.
Fact Checker Results:
- Apple has been developing foldable display technology since 2017, and patents for under-display Face ID confirm progress toward this goal.
- Leaked specs and analyst reports align on the device’s inner and outer screen sizes, although Face ID’s integration remains a point of debate.
- The expected $2,000 price tag suggests the iPhone Fold will be positioned as a premium, niche product, at least initially.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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