Apple is reportedly gearing up to enter the foldable smartphone arena, with its first-ever foldable iPhone now expected to launch next year. The long-rumoured device has taken a clearer shape thanks to newly leaked design renders, offering the most concrete look yet at what Apple has in store for the flexible future of the iPhone.
Leaked Design: A Nod to Google, A Challenge to Samsung
According to information shared by the YouTube channel Front Page Tech and renowned tipster Ice Universe, the design of Apple's inaugural foldable phone may bear a strong resemblance to Google's Pixel Fold. The leaked images suggest a book-style foldable design, which has become a popular form factor in the market.
The renders highlight a device with a large internal display that unfolds like a book, paired with a smaller cover screen on the outside for quick interactions. A significant point of focus in the leaks is the minimal crease visible at the fold area. This is a notable detail, as prominent creases on rival devices like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series have often been a point of criticism among users.
Ice Universe directly compared the design to Samsung's offering, stating, "The comparison of the design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and the Apple iPhone Fold is almost identical, with the only difference being the R-angle. Samsung is more square, while Apple is more rounded." The overall design philosophy appears to prioritize durability and a seamless viewing experience, aligning with Apple's established reputation for premium hardware aesthetics.
Expected Features: Trade-offs for a Slimmer Profile
Early leaks indicate that the foldable iPhone will represent a significant departure from the current iPhone lineup in both look and functionality. To achieve the necessary thin profile for a foldable device, Apple might make some bold changes.
One major speculation is the potential removal of the Face ID system. Instead, the company is tipped to include a 24MP under-display selfie camera on the main internal display. This technology would allow the front-facing camera to sit beneath the screen, offering a cleaner, uninterrupted display surface. A second 24MP camera is also expected on the outer cover display, making it convenient for users to take selfies or answer video calls without having to open the device.
On the rear, the camera system is rumoured to be simplified. It may feature a dual-lens setup with two 48MP sensors—one standard and one ultrawide—but notably omit a telephoto lens. This seems to be a conscious design trade-off to maintain the slim build required for a foldable form factor. While these specs may seem modest compared to the current iPhone Pro models, the focus for this device is clearly on pioneering a sleek foldable design and new display technology.
Price and Market Impact
Entering the premium foldable segment comes with a premium price tag. Multiple online rumours and industry speculations suggest that Apple's foldable iPhone could be priced around $2,399 (approximately ₹2 lakhs). This positions it squarely in the ultra-high-end market, competing directly with the top-tier foldables from Samsung and others.
The arrival of a foldable iPhone is a highly anticipated event in the tech world. Apple's entry is expected to validate the foldable form factor further and could accelerate innovation and competition in the segment. For Indian consumers, who have shown a growing appetite for premium technology, the launch next year could be a major catalyst in the adoption of foldable devices, provided the price is competitive in the local market.
