iPhone Fold Design Details Leaked: Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first-ever foldable iPhone, commonly referred to as the iPhone Fold. While Apple has traditionally taken a cautious approach toward new form factors, fresh leaks now suggest that the company is finally ready to unveil its foldable device—complete with a distinctive all-black camera plateau and a noticeably different button layout compared to existing iPhone models.
Over the past few weeks, multiple reports have hinted at the specifications, display technology, and internal hardware of Apple’s upcoming foldable. The latest leak, however, shifts focus to design changes, offering new insight into how Apple may visually differentiate its first foldable from the rest of the iPhone lineup.
All-Black Camera Plateau to Set iPhone Fold Apart
According to a leak shared by popular tipster Instant Digital on Weibo, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature a black camera module regardless of the phone’s body colour. This marks a departure from Apple’s recent design language, where camera islands typically match the device’s finish.
Camera Layout Details
- A horizontal camera plateau, similar to the design seen on the iPhone Air
- Two rear cameras, placed side by side
- Accompanied by a microphone and LED flash
- Entire camera section finished in black, creating a strong visual contrast
This design approach is reminiscent of certain iPad Pro models, where Apple has previously used darker camera housings to break up the rear panel design. On a foldable phone, the black plateau may also help visually mask seams or structural elements required for durability.
The minimalist camera arrangement suggests that Apple may prioritise image processing and sensor quality over adding multiple lenses—staying true to its “less but better” philosophy.
Foldable iPhone to Feature Unusual Button Placement
One of the most interesting revelations from the leak is a significant change in button placement, something Apple rarely experiments with unless functionally necessary.
Volume Buttons Move to the Top
Unlike traditional iPhones, where volume buttons sit on the left side, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature:
- Volume buttons relocated to the top edge
- Positioned toward the right side, similar to the iPad mini
This change likely serves two purposes:
- Improved ergonomics when using the device unfolded
- Cleaner side profile, especially important for a foldable hinge mechanism
Right Edge Retains Key Controls
Despite these changes, Apple is expected to keep some familiar elements intact:
- Touch ID integrated power button on the right edge
- Camera Control button, similar to recent Pro models
Interestingly, the left side of the device may be completely button-free, giving the foldable a clean and symmetrical appearance. This streamlined design could also improve durability by reducing the number of cutouts on the foldable frame.
No Face ID, Smaller Dynamic Island Expected
Another notable design decision is the apparent absence of Face ID. According to leaks, Apple may skip facial recognition on the iPhone Fold to help manage internal space and device thickness.
Instead, Apple is expected to rely on:
- Touch ID embedded in the power button
- A smaller Dynamic Island, achieved using a single punch-hole camera
This would be a first for modern iPhones, which have relied on Face ID since 2017. However, removing Face ID hardware could:
- Reduce internal complexity
- Allow for a thinner foldable design
- Improve battery capacity
Display: Crease-Less Inner Screen Is the Big Promise
The iPhone Fold is expected to feature one of Apple’s most ambitious display implementations yet.
Display Specifications (Rumoured)
- 7.8-inch inner display
- Crease-less OLED panel, a major leap over current foldables
- 5.5-inch outer display, making it the smallest external screen on a modern iPhone
Apple is reportedly working with advanced hinge and panel technologies to eliminate the visible crease that plagues most foldable phones today. If successful, this could be a major competitive advantage over rivals like Samsung and Google.
Camera Setup: Four Cameras in Total
Despite having just two rear cameras, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature four cameras in total:
- Two rear cameras
- One selfie camera on the outer display
- One inner camera for video calls and multitasking
This setup ensures usability in both folded and unfolded modes without compromising Apple’s focus on camera quality.
Performance: A20 Pro Chipset and Massive Battery
Under the hood, Apple’s first foldable is expected to debut with the A20 Pro chipset, which is also tipped to power the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series.
Expected Performance Highlights
- Next-generation Apple Silicon with improved AI and efficiency
- Enhanced graphics for multitasking and split-screen apps
- Optimised power management for foldable use cases
Biggest Battery Ever in an iPhone?
Perhaps the most surprising claim is battery size. Reports suggest the iPhone Fold could feature:
- A battery exceeding 5,500mAh
- The largest battery ever used in an iPhone
This would be necessary to support:
- Dual displays
- Larger screen real estate
- Multitasking and productivity features
Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Leak Sparks Buzz
iPhone Fold Launch Timeline and Expected Price
Launch Date
The iPhone Fold is expected to debut in September 2026, alongside:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
This aligns with Apple’s traditional fall launch cycle and gives the company ample time to refine foldable hardware.
Expected Pricing
Reports suggest a starting price of around $2,400 in the US, translating to roughly ₹2.15 lakh in India.
For comparison:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at ₹1,74,999 in India
Apple’s pricing reflects its premium positioning, advanced display technology, and first-generation foldable engineering.
Apple’s Foldable Strategy: More Than One Device?
Interestingly, the iPhone Fold may not be Apple’s only foldable in development. Multiple reports claim that Apple is also working on:
- A flip-style iPhone, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip series
This suggests Apple is exploring multiple form factors before committing fully to foldables.
Final Thoughts
The leaked design details of the iPhone Fold paint a picture of a distinctly Apple-styled foldable—one that prioritises clean design, usability, and refinement over flashy experimentation. The all-black camera plateau, unconventional button placement, crease-less display, and massive battery point toward a device aimed at professionals and early adopters willing to pay a premium.
While much remains unconfirmed, one thing is clear: Apple is not rushing into foldables—it’s planning to redefine them.
If Apple delivers on even half of these promises, the iPhone Fold could set a new benchmark for the foldable smartphone category.
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