A folding Apple iPhone has been rumored for a while, aiming to compete with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the soon-to-be-released OnePlus Open. Recent leaks from the supply chain suggest that this folding iPhone could debut as early as 2026, and more details from the Bill of Materials (BOM) give insights into its expected features.
Key Features Revealed
The information shared by @QQ_Timmy on X highlights some important aspects of the folding iPhone. To kick things off, the internal display is expected to be around “the size of two 6.1-inch” screens placed side by side, making it a tad larger than the 11-inch iPad Pro M4, which currently retails for $890.82 on Amazon. Additionally, the leak hints at its thickness: when closed, the device should measure about 9.2 mm, with each side maintaining a thickness of 4.6 mm.
Comparisons with Other Devices
For comparison, the Oppo Find N5 and the future OnePlus Open 2 will be only 4.2 mm thick when opened, placing the folding iPhone among the slimmest foldable devices available. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is popular in Western markets, measures 12.2 mm when folded and 5.6 mm when opened.
Another significant point, backed by recent posts from well-known leaker Ross Young, indicates that Samsung Display will be the primary supplier for the OLED panel of the foldable iPhone, while BOE is considered a potential secondary supplier.
Design and Material Insights
The leak also suggests that the hinge will be uniquely designed by Apple, which is in line with the company’s usual approach. The internal frame of the folding iPhone is expected to be constructed from aluminum. It remains uncertain if this aluminum frame will include the external rails of the device. However, it seems improbable that Apple will opt for stainless steel for any major structural parts, considering that foldable phones generally face weight concerns. Therefore, the likely materials for the device include aluminum, titanium, and possibly carbon fiber, though the last one may not be practical due to its complex manufacturing process and environmental impacts.
Camera and Battery Specs
Finally, the leaks indicate that the new foldable iPhone will come equipped with just two rear cameras and one front-facing selfie camera. Specifically, the report mentions a standard wide-angle camera and an ultra-wide lens, showing that Apple plans to align with the trend where folding phones typically have somewhat lesser camera quality compared to flagship smartphones.
The expected battery capacity is around 5,000 mAh, and the folding iPhone is projected to be launched towards the end of 2025 or in early 2026.
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