Apple is preparing one of the most dramatic design shifts in iPhone history, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter. Instead of the usual yearly tweaks, Apple is bringing a new form factor with the iPhone Fold — adopting a book-style foldable design for the first time.
Gurman wrote that while past major redesigns, such as those seen in the iPhone 4, iPhone 6, and iPhone X, were significant, the upcoming foldable iPhone will be “the most significant overhaul in the iPhone's history.”
iPhone Fold Could Become Like An iPad For Many Users
Gurman added that for many users, the iPhone Fold could even eliminate the need to carry a separate iPad. This comes on the back of his earlier reports that the iPhone Fold may feature an iPad-style interface, complete with support for split-screen multitasking and app sidebars.
Although the foldable iPhone will not support existing iPad apps directly, Apple is said to be working on optimising its core applications for the larger screen by adding left-hand sidebars. The company is also expected to provide developers with new tools so their iPhone apps can better adapt and resemble the iPad versions.
iPhone Fold Specs And Features
Apple inaugural foldable is expected to be powered by a 2nm A20 Pro chip paired with the C2 modem. It is rumoured to have a 7.8-inch main inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen on the outside. The phone is also likely to include dual rear cameras and dual front cameras with a simple hole-punch cutout.
Gurman further mentions that the device might drop Face ID entirely in favour of Touch ID integrated into the side button. This is necessary because the slim front display would not have enough space for the Face ID sensor.
To enhance durability, Apple may implement a dual-layer glass structure that helps protect the screen from stress around the hinge. An improved hinge mechanism designed to minimise visible creases and allow smoother folding is expected as well.
iPhone Fold Launch Timeline
The iPhone Fold could be unveiled in September (alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max), though actual sales might begin in October or beyond. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, and iPhone 18e variants are likely to arrive in spring 2027.
iPhone Fold Price
Reports indicate the iPhone Fold will be a pricy affair. In the U.S., the 256GB variant of the foldable iPhone could start at $1,999, which translates to approximately Rs 1,84,700 in India.
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