After years of cautious silence, Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is finally starting to take shape, at least in the world of supply chain whispers and leaked prototypes. According to prominent Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, the device is inching closer to reality with some big design departures that challenge Apple’s traditional playbook.
The foldable iPhone is said to feature a book-style design with two distinct display experiences: a 7.8-inch crease-free inner panel and a 5.5-inch outer screen. What’s particularly interesting is how Apple appears to be handling the front-facing cameras. The external display will reportedly include a punch-hole cutout, marking a sharp shift away from the signature notch and Dynamic Island design. Meanwhile, the internal foldable screen may sport an under-display camera to preserve a full-screen experience, an ambitious choice that very few OEMs have executed well so far.
Touch ID is also reportedly making a comeback, but not under the screen. Instead, Apple is said to be embedding it into the side-mounted power button, much like on the iPad Air. This choice likely stems from the tight internal layout of foldables, which might leave little room for the complex Face ID module.
Behind the scenes, development appears to be accelerating. Industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo say Apple aims to lock in the hardware by June, while Jeff Pu claims the foldable has entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn, suggesting a finalized prototype is already in motion. Mass production is reportedly planned for Q4 2026, with a potential launch at the tail end of next year.
As for pricing, the first-gen foldable iPhone is tipped to land somewhere between $2,000 and $2,300, placing it firmly in ultra-premium territory. Given Apple’s reputation and the anticipation surrounding a foldable iPhone, that price tag might not deter early adopters.
Apple has taken its time watching the foldable market evolve, but these early details suggest it’s preparing a device that isn’t just a late response, but potentially a redefinition of what a foldable iPhone should be. Whether it delivers on that promise remains to be seen, but Apple seems determined to fold the future its way.
In related news, Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone is rumored to feature major upgrades, including a bezel-free design, no display cutouts, and a 100% silicon battery.
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