Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone, unofficially dubbed iPhone Fold, is expected to feature a book-like folding design with two screens - and a new leak suggests it may also include a groundbreaking display innovation never before seen on any iPhone.

According to insider Digital Chat Station on Chinese social media site Weibo, the inner foldable screen will measure approximately 7.76 inches with a resolution of 2,713 x 1,920 and may integrate under-display camera technology.

Meanwhile, the outer display is expected to be 5.49 inches with a resolution of 2,088 x 1,422, using a punch-hole front camera.

Digital Chat Station previously reported that the inner display would have a 4:3 aspect ratio and was the first to leak its detailed dimensions. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo later confirmed these specifications and added that the internal screen would not feature any visible creases. However, until now, there had been no mention of an under-display camera for this device.

Some leaks also suggest Apple is developing a foldable iPad, and Digital Chat Station previously claimed that device would feature under-display Face ID - potentially indicating Apple’s broader strategy to unify the design of its foldable product lineup.

Kuo also believes that the rear camera setup of the iPhone Fold will include a dual-lens system, and notably, the device might not support Face ID to conserve internal space. Instead, it would use a side-mounted power button with built-in Touch ID.

Overcoming the Face ID challenge

One major hurdle in deploying under-display cameras on the iPhone is integrating Face ID, which requires multiple sensors - including infrared cameras, dot projectors, and ambient light sensors - for accurate facial recognition.

Apple is reportedly working on under-display Face ID alongside the under-display camera. While some sources predict this feature could debut on the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025, it may still require a small punch-hole to house some Face ID components rather than fully eliminating the notch.

Still, if Apple chooses to implement an under-display camera, it would likely significantly improve image quality, leveraging its cutting-edge expertise in display and sensor technologies.

This approach aligns with Apple’s product strategy: only introducing new technology when it’s been fully optimized to deliver a seamless user experience.

Pricing and production timeline

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to launch its foldable iPhone as early as next year, with a projected retail price around $2,000.

Analyst Jeff Pu reports that the device has entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn, and mass production is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.

Gurman also noted that the foldable iPhone may benefit from innovations developed for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, which is set to replace the current "Plus" model in Apple's 2025 lineup - offering advancements in screen technology, battery life, modem performance, and processing power.

If the iPhone Fold indeed debuts with under-display camera tech, it will become one of Apple’s most advanced and premium smartphones to date.

Hai Phong