Apple has begun placing orders for display panels for its forthcoming foldable smartphone, dubbed the “iPhone Fold,” with a target crease depth of less than 0.15mm, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The company is positioning the device as a near “crease-free” foldable, aiming to differentiate it from competitors like Samsung and is currently targeting a launch in autumn 2026, coinciding with the expected release of the iPhone 18 lineup. The display panel orders have been placed with Samsung Display, indicating a key partnership in bringing the technology to fruition.
Apple has reportedly been evaluating multiple foldable designs for years, including a clamshell style similar to existing flip phones and a book-like design that unfolds to a larger, iPad mini-sized display. Recent reports suggest the company has settled on the book-like design, featuring both an external display for use when folded and a larger internal display for expanded functionality. Prototypes tested in 2024 initially favored the clamshell design, but momentum shifted towards the book-style format in 2025.
The iPhone Fold is expected to incorporate premium materials, potentially including a titanium alloy casing with a hinge constructed from stainless steel, titanium, and liquid metal components. Analysts suggest the frame may utilize a combination of titanium and aluminum, with titanium used in stress-bearing areas for durability and aluminum for heat dissipation. The device could feature a dual-lens rear camera system and a single front-facing camera.
Whereas Apple previously relied on Touch ID for authentication, current analysis indicates the company may forgo Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor to maximize internal space and minimize device thickness. This would mark a return to the Touch ID technology previously phased out with the iPhone 16e.
Apple’s entry into the foldable market is anticipated to challenge Samsung’s current dominance. The company is taking a deliberate approach, prioritizing durability and a seamless user experience over being first to market. Supply chain reports indicate Apple has been focused on ensuring display yield rates and hinge mechanisms meet its stringent quality standards. A potential delay to early 2027 remains possible should production challenges arise, though current indicators point towards a fall 2026 release.
A more compact, clamshell-style foldable, potentially named the “iPhone Flip,” is reportedly under consideration for a subsequent release in 2027.
