Apple iPhone Fold Display and Camera Specifications Leak Ahead of 2026 Launch
Apple is widely expected to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first foldable iPhone, commonly referred to as the iPhone Fold. While Apple has not officially confirmed the product or its final name, new leaks have started to paint a clearer picture of what the company may be planning. A recent report shared by well-known Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed fresh details about the iPhone Fold’s display sizes, camera setup, and biometric authentication method.
These new claims suggest that Apple is taking a careful and deliberate approach to foldable technology, focusing on slim design, practical usability, and familiar hardware choices rather than radical experimentation. If the current timeline holds, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive as early as 2026, marking a major milestone for the company.
Apple’s Entry Into the Foldable Smartphone Market
Foldable smartphones have been available for several years, with companies like Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, and Honor leading the segment. Despite the growing competition, Apple has so far stayed away from foldable phones, choosing instead to refine its traditional slab-style iPhones.
Industry analysts believe Apple’s delay is intentional. The company is known for waiting until a technology matures before entering a new category. Rather than being first, Apple often aims to deliver a more polished and reliable product. The iPhone Fold appears to follow this same philosophy, with leaked specifications pointing toward a balanced and refined design.
Biometric Authentication: Touch ID Makes a Comeback
One of the most notable details from the latest leak is Apple’s reported decision to skip Face ID on the iPhone Fold.
Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor
According to Digital Chat Station, the iPhone Fold will feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, likely integrated into the power button. This setup closely resembles the Touch ID implementation found on several recent iPad models.
The leak claims:
- Face ID will not be included
- Under-display fingerprint scanning is not planned
- Touch ID will handle biometric authentication
This move may surprise some users, especially since Face ID has been a core feature of modern iPhones. However, there is a practical reason behind this decision.
Why Apple May Avoid Face ID
Face ID requires a complex set of sensors, including infrared cameras and projectors. Integrating this hardware into a foldable phone could:
- Increase device thickness
- Complicate internal design
- Reduce durability over time
By opting for a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Apple can keep the iPhone Fold thin, lightweight, and structurally simpler, which is especially important for a foldable device.
Foldable Design and Form Factor
The iPhone Fold is expected to use a book-style foldable design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. This means the device will open horizontally, transforming from a phone into a tablet-like form factor.
This design allows:
- A large inner display for multitasking and media
- A smaller outer display for everyday tasks
- Better productivity compared to flip-style foldables
Leaks suggest Apple has been testing multiple hinge designs over the years, focusing heavily on durability and crease reduction. While details about the hinge mechanism remain limited, analysts believe Apple will prioritize long-term reliability.
Display Specifications: Inner and Outer Screens Detailed
The new report provides specific measurements for both displays on the iPhone Fold, offering a clearer idea of how Apple plans to balance usability and portability.
Inner Folding Display
The main folding screen is reported to measure 7.58 inches diagonally when fully unfolded.
Key details include:
- Large tablet-like viewing area
- Designed for multitasking, reading, and media
- Under-display selfie camera
The use of an under-display front camera suggests Apple wants to keep the inner display as clean and immersive as possible. This technology hides the camera beneath the screen, eliminating visible cutouts.
Although under-display cameras have historically struggled with image quality, Apple’s late entry into foldables may allow it to deliver a more refined implementation.
Outer Cover Display
The outer screen is said to measure 5.25 inches, making it smaller than most modern smartphones but still large enough for quick tasks.
According to the leak:
- The cover display will include a hole-punch camera
- Designed for notifications, calls, and light app usage
- Allows phone use without unfolding the device
The combination of an under-display camera on the inner screen and a hole-punch camera on the outer display shows Apple’s practical approach—using advanced technology where it matters most while maintaining reliability on the cover screen.
Camera Setup: Dual Rear Cameras Expected
Camera performance has always been a major focus for Apple, and the iPhone Fold is expected to continue this trend.
Dual-Camera System on the Back
The leak suggests the iPhone Fold will feature a dual rear camera setup.
So far, the only confirmed detail is:
- At least one rear sensor will be 48MP
Apple introduced 48MP sensors with the iPhone 14 Pro series, and they have since become standard in newer models. Including a 48MP camera in the iPhone Fold indicates that Apple does not plan to compromise on photography despite the device’s complex design.
Unknown Secondary Camera
Details about the second rear camera remain unclear. It could be:
- An ultra-wide camera
- A telephoto lens
- A new hybrid sensor designed for foldables
More information is expected to surface as development continues.
Software Experience and iOS Optimization
While hardware leaks often grab attention, the success of the iPhone Fold will largely depend on software optimization.
Apple is expected to introduce:
- Improved multitasking features
- Better split-screen support
- Enhanced app scaling for foldable displays
iPadOS already offers advanced multitasking capabilities, and many analysts believe Apple could adapt these features for the iPhone Fold. A foldable iPhone running a hybrid iOS experience could set it apart from Android competitors.
Expected Launch Timeline: 2026 Still Likely
Multiple reports suggest Apple is targeting a 2026 launch window for its first foldable iPhone.
Possible reasons for the long development cycle include:
- Extensive durability testing
- Display and hinge optimization
- Software refinement
- Supply chain readiness
Apple is known for delaying products if they do not meet internal quality standards. If the company believes foldable technology is not ready, it may push the launch even further.
Market Impact of the iPhone Fold
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market could have significant consequences for the industry.
Increased Consumer Interest
Many consumers have avoided foldable phones due to concerns about:
- Durability
- High prices
- Software limitations
Apple’s reputation for long-term software support and hardware reliability could help address these concerns and bring foldables into the mainstream.
Pressure on Competitors
If Apple launches a successful foldable iPhone:
- Competitors may need to improve build quality
- Software experiences could become more polished
- Prices may become more competitive over time
Even without record-breaking sales, Apple’s presence alone could reshape the foldable segment.
What Remains Unknown
Despite the growing number of leaks, several key details about the iPhone Fold remain unclear, including:
- Battery capacity and charging speed
- Durability rating
- Price range
- Final product name
- Exact release date
Given Apple’s secrecy, many of these details may remain hidden until closer to launch.
Final Thoughts – Apple iPhone Fold Display Camera Specifications Leak 2026
The latest leak offers an intriguing look at Apple’s plans for its first foldable iPhone. With a 7.58-inch inner display, 5.25-inch cover screen, dual rear cameras, and a Touch ID power button, the iPhone Fold appears to prioritize practicality, slim design, and long-term usability.
If Apple delivers on these early expectations, the iPhone Fold could redefine what consumers expect from foldable smartphones. While 2026 may still be some time away, anticipation continues to grow as more information slowly emerges.
Until Apple makes an official announcement, all details should be taken with caution. However, one thing is clear: Apple’s eventual entry into the foldable market is likely to be one of the biggest smartphone launches of the decade.
