One of the biggest breakthroughs Apple is pursuing is eliminating the crease commonly seen on foldable screens.

Most foldable smartphones on the market feature a noticeable crease down the middle, which can detract from aesthetics and user experience.

Apple, true to form, is focused on delivering a perfectly flat display that doesn’t distract users.

Not a clamshell fold

Apple reportedly experimented with various designs, including clamshell-style folding like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

However, recent leaks indicate the company has opted for a book-style horizontal fold, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold.

This design choice necessitates significant software optimization to ensure iOS runs seamlessly in both vertical and horizontal orientations.

In preparation, Apple is developing iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 with a more unified interface across all devices - an important step for optimizing a foldable user experience.

Nearly iPad mini-sized when unfolded

When closed, the iPhone Fold will feature an external 5.5-inch display - smaller than the current standard 6.1-inch iPhone screens.

However, when opened, the internal display will measure 7.8 inches, nearly matching the 7.9-inch iPad mini.

Imagine placing two iPhone 6.1-inch screens side by side or rotating an iPad mini horizontally - that’s roughly the screen real estate Apple aims to deliver.

Ultra-thin when open, thick when folded

The foldable iPhone will reportedly incorporate technology from the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, achieving an impressively thin 4.5–4.8mm profile when opened. That’s even thinner than the current thinnest Apple device, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5.1mm).

However, when folded, the device will be noticeably thicker - estimated at around 9–9.5mm - compared to today's standard iPhones.

Touch ID returns, Face ID sidelined

Interestingly, Apple may revert to using Touch ID via the power button instead of Face ID. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that if Apple cannot sufficiently reduce the size of the TrueDepth camera system used for Face ID, Touch ID will serve as a practical alternative for maintaining a slim device profile.

Prepare for a steep price tag

Foldable phones are notoriously expensive - even on Android. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, for instance, is expected to retail for between $1,750 and $2,200 (VND 44–55 million).

As for Apple, the iPhone Fold is predicted to start at around $2,000–2,500 (VND 51–64 million), surpassing the price of Apple’s most premium current iPhones.

Although leaks are becoming increasingly detailed, Apple is known for its rigorous testing and frequent last-minute changes. The foldable iPhone could still undergo design revisions or be shelved entirely. However, if development stays on track, consumers could see the iPhone Fold debut in late 2026.

This timeline is echoed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who recently reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to launching a foldable device, with a projected starting price of around $2,000.

Hai Phong