Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone has been in the rumor mill for years, and a fresh report finally sheds light on what the company is planning for the end user. According to Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, Apple is preparing to launch the foldable iPhone next year, and it will not be just another foldable, as it is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious iPhones ever built. From a redesigned biometric system to a surprisingly versatile camera setup, the iPhone Fold is beginning to look like Apple’s boldest hardware experiment in a decade.
Apple’s foldable iPhone will introduce four cameras, a custom C2 modem, and major design changes, making it Apple’s boldest iPhone yet
Back in 2017, Apple launched the iPhone X, which still carries its design legacy to this day, and the next big jump for the company would be the foldable iPhone. Based on recent information, the iPhone Fold will open like a book when unfolded to reveal a bigger internal display, potentially 8 inches, similar to what the industry is offering right now. However, what sets the design apart is the camera setup, as the company is not planning to compromise in any regard.
The foldable will house a total of four cameras, one on the front, two on the back, and one on the internal display, putting them in line with the current and the forthcoming iPhone 17 Pro models. While one of the rear cameras will be the main shooter, the other will possibly be an ultra-wide or a telephoto lens, as details regarding this aspect are scarce at this stage.
On the biometric front, Apple is apparently bringing back Touch ID instead of Face ID, possibly to maintain a thinner profile similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. While some users would argue against Touch ID, we believe that it will be the right choice for the kind of device it is. The iPhone Fold is also expected to ditch Qualcomm’s modems in favor of Apple’s own custom C2 series of chips, which would bring further connectivity and efficiency enhancements to the table compared to the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17 Air.
Despite a brand-new form factor, Apple wants the foldable iPhone to maintain its functionality when the device is closed, complete with an external screen that roughly comes in at 5 to 6 inches. Unfolding the device would deliver a brand-new experience for users with an immersive display that would best suit content consumption and productivity.
Apple is integrating new technologies into the mix, including the in-house C2 modem, which is possibly designed to boost the battery life of the iPhone Fold. The device will possibly be priced at $1,800 and come in just two color options - black and white. Gurman does not expect this year's iPhone 17 lineup to look drastically different than what we are using today, which would make it hard for Apple to sell the devices, but market response is yet to be observed.
Are you planning to skip upgrading to the iPhone 17 this year in favor of next year’s foldable iPhone? Let us know in the comments.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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