Apple stands at a pivotal juncture in its hardware journey, seemingly poised to move beyond the incremental updates that have characterized its flagship iPhone line in recent years. Following the much-anticipated iPhone 16 series, the tech giant is reportedly developing not one, but multiple revolutionary devices that could fundamentally reshape its product ecosystem and reignite consumer excitement. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that Apple is on the cusp of reinventing the iPhone entirely, setting the stage for a thrilling few years.
For far too long, many have felt that Apple’s iPhone releases have bordered on the predictable, offering refinements rather than radical shifts. However, if the latest wave of rumors and analyst reports is anything to go by, this era of “boring iPhone releases” is rapidly drawing to a close. We are looking at a future where the iPhone transcends its current form, potentially bending in half or paving the way for a more integrated augmented reality experience.
This in-depth exploration will delve into the most credible leaks and expert insights, dissecting how Apple plans to redefine its product lineup. From the intricate details of its highly anticipated foldable iPhone to glimpses of a completely redesigned 20th-anniversary model and even the long-rumored Apple Glasses, we will separate the hype from the hardware as we chart the course for Cupertino’s next generation of game-changing technology.
1. **Overall Book-Style Design and Anticipated Thinness**: For what feels like an eternity in the fast-paced world of consumer electronics, rumors of an Apple foldable device have circulated with a persistent hum. Now, however, the whispers are growing louder, culminating in a strong consensus that 2026 may finally be the year when Apple releases its first foldable iPhone. This long-awaited device is expected to adopt a book-style folding mechanism, drawing parallels to Samsung’s established Galaxy Z Fold series rather than the compact clamshell design favored by the Galaxy Z Flip.
Esteemed industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided detailed projections on the foldable iPhone’s dimensions, indicating a folded thickness of approximately 9 to 9.5 mm. When unfolded, the device is predicted to become considerably thinner, measuring around 4.5 to 4.8 mm. This level of thinness is a critical design goal for Apple, as further emphasized by Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital, who recently corroborated that the unfolded thickness would be at a minimum of 4.8 mm.
To put these figures into context, the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures an impressive 8.9 mm when folded and a mere 4.2 mm when unfolded. While a few millimeters might seem insignificant on paper, they can profoundly affect the in-hand feel and overall user experience of a device. Apple’s ambition to create a premium, durable, and highly functional foldable will undoubtedly involve a careful balance between these thinness metrics and the integration of advanced components and robust materials, aiming to rival, if not surpass, the ergonomic appeal of its Android competitors.
2. **Advanced Display Technology: The Quest for a Crease-Free Experience and Dual Screens**: One of the most compelling aspects of the rumored foldable iPhone is its innovative display configuration, which aims to deliver a seamless and immersive user experience. When folded, the device is expected to present a familiar 5.5-inch outer display, offering a comfortable and traditional iPhone interface for quick interactions. However, the true transformation occurs upon unfolding, revealing an expansive 7.8-inch iPad-style screen, designed to significantly enhance productivity and media consumption.
These dual-screen dimensions have been consistently corroborated by two highly reputable sources, lending substantial weight to their accuracy. More critically, Apple is reportedly placing a heavy emphasis on eliminating the most common pain point of current foldable devices: the visible crease. The inner display is said to be virtually crease-free, a feat achieved through the strategic incorporation of a metal plate. This plate is engineered to efficiently disperse and control the stress generated by the continuous bending and unbending of the flexible display, providing a sophisticated solution to a persistent engineering challenge.
Further details emerge regarding the display’s technical specifications, with one rumor suggesting the inner folding display will boast a 4:3 aspect ratio paired with a sharp 2,713 x 1,920 resolution. The outer display, conversely, is rumored to feature a 2,088 x 1,422 resolution. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman adds another layer to this advanced display narrative, explaining that Apple intends to utilize ‘in-cell’ touch screen technology. This integrated display and digitizer layer, similar to what is found in current iPhone models, is expected to not only contribute to a “less obvious” crease but also significantly improve touch accuracy across the expansive foldable surface. This meticulous attention to display quality underscores Apple’s commitment to entering the foldable market with a truly polished and differentiated product.
Read more about: KFC Elevates Family Dining with Advanced Mobile Ordering and In-Store Technology: Your Iconic Bucket, Ready When You Are
3. **Durable Chassis, Hinge, and Innovative Materials**: Apple’s reputation for exceptional build quality and material innovation suggests that its entry into the foldable market will be no exception, with a strong focus on durability to address common concerns associated with bending devices. According to insights from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a robust titanium chassis, a material already proven in Apple’s high-end devices for its favorable strength-to-weight ratio. The crucial hinge mechanism, the heart of any foldable device, will reportedly be constructed from a sophisticated combination of titanium and stainless steel, ensuring both resilience and smooth operation.
A significant innovation aimed at enhancing both durability and the coveted crease-free experience involves Apple’s reported use of liquid metal within these hinges. This specialized material, manufactured through a precise die-casting process, is being selected by Apple to directly confront two of the most prevalent issues in the foldable segment: the structural longevity of the hinge and the persistence of screen creasing. The inherent properties of liquid metal are expected to provide superior stress distribution and maintain the display’s integrity over countless folds.
This meticulous material selection and engineering approach highlight Apple’s strategy of entering the foldable market with a mature and refined product, rather than a first-generation experiment. By leveraging premium, high-strength alloys and advanced hinge technologies, the company aims to deliver a device that not only feels premium but also withstands the rigors of daily use. This commitment to robust construction is a key differentiator that Apple hopes will set its foldable device apart from early Android iterations, which often faced scrutiny over their long-term durability.
Read more about: Are Tonneau Covers Truly Waterproof? Everything Truck Owners Need to Know Before Buying for Ultimate Cargo Protection
4. **Evolving Camera Setup: Four Lenses for a New Era**: The camera system on any iPhone is a cornerstone of its appeal, and the foldable iPhone is poised to continue this tradition, albeit with a unique configuration necessitated by its form factor. Initial reports from Ming-Chi Kuo suggested a dual-lens rear camera paired with a front-facing camera capable of functioning in both folded and unfolded states. This foundation has since been expanded upon by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who recently corroborated reports indicating that the device will feature a total of four cameras.
Gurman’s refined breakdown specifies one front camera, one inner camera, and two rear cameras. Adding further detail, the prolific Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station claims that these dual rear lenses will each boast an impressive 48 megapixels, suggesting that Apple is not compromising on photographic prowess. This would align with the high-resolution sensors seen in recent flagship iPhones, ensuring crisp and detailed imagery from the primary shooters.
However, the camera landscape for foldables is also evolving rapidly, with other sources suggesting that the inner display could feature an under-screen camera (USC) for a truly uninterrupted viewing experience. Conversely, the outer display, when the device is in its folded state, is expected to utilize a more traditional punch-hole camera design. While this four-camera setup offers considerable versatility, it is worth noting that some high-end Android foldables, like the Vivo X Fold 5 and Oppo Find N5, currently feature five cameras, potentially offering a broader range of focal lengths. Apple’s design choice here might reflect a strategic balance between camera capabilities and the overarching goal of achieving an ultra-thin and crease-minimal form factor.
Product on Amazon: HSMT-hinges 4 Inch Quick Release Hinge, Stainless Steel 304, Detachable, Spring Release Hinges with 6 Holes for Cabinet Lids, Electrical Enclosure Doors, Horizontal & Vertical Mounting (4, 4 inch)
Brand: HSMT-hinges
Binding: Tools & Home Improvement Product Group: Home Improvement
Price: 27.99 USD
Rating: 4.9 Total reviews: 12
Material: Stainless Steel
Product Dimensions: 4″L x 1.93″W
Finish Type: Unfinished
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Hole Count: 6
Unit Count: 4.0 Count
Manufacturer: HSMT-hinges
Features:
1. Complete Installation Kit: Includes 4 spring-release hinges (4 inches) and 26 matching screws, offering all the components needed for a smooth installation process.
2. Innovative Detachable Design: The built-in spring mechanism allows effortless detachment by simply pressing the hinge, offering smooth and convenient removal without the need for tools.
3. Durable Stainless Steel Material: Crafted from 304 stainless steel, these hinges provide long-lasting strength and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects, maintaining their appearance over time.
4. Versatile Mounting Options: Designed for horizontal or vertical installation, these hinges adapt to different needs, making them suitable for a wide variety of furniture, doors, or enclosures.
5. Wide Application Range: Ideal for cabinet lids, doors, electrical enclosures, and more, these hinges are suitable for both residential and DIY projects, offering versatile functionality.
Shopping on Amazon >>
Read more about: Your Costco Insider Guide: 18 Smart Buys That Seriously Pay Off
5. **The Return of Touch ID: A Strategic Authentication Shift**: In a move that could be seen as both a throwback and a pragmatic design choice, the foldable iPhone is widely expected to deviate from Apple’s current Face ID-centric authentication system. Both Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman firmly believe that the device will forgo Face ID, opting instead for a Touch ID side button as its primary biometric security method. This decision is reportedly driven by the critical need to conserve precious internal space within the complex architecture of a foldable device.
The integration of Face ID requires a sophisticated array of sensors that typically occupy a noticeable notch or cutout on traditional iPhone displays. In a foldable form factor, where internal volume is at an absolute premium and display integrity is paramount for a crease-free experience, minimizing these components becomes crucial. By moving to a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, Apple can streamline the internal design and potentially enhance the visual purity of the unfolded display, while still offering a highly secure and convenient authentication method.
This isn’t an entirely new concept for Apple; the company has successfully integrated Touch ID into the side button of its iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models, demonstrating its reliability and user-friendliness across various product categories. For iPhone users, it would mark a return to a feature phased out of the main iPhone line with the introduction of the iPhone X. The question of whether Apple will opt for an entirely new in-display fingerprint scanner or stick with the proven power button integration, much like the iPad, remains a point of speculation. However, the direction towards Touch ID seems clear.
6. **Connectivity and Battery Innovations: The C2 Modem and High-Density Cells**: Beyond its transformative physical design, the foldable iPhone is also slated to introduce significant advancements in its internal components, particularly in cellular connectivity and battery technology. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device will be equipped with Apple’s second-generation C2 modem for cellular connectivity. This represents a substantial leap from the custom-designed C1 modem that debuted in the iPhone X earlier this year, marking Apple’s continued multi-year transition away from Qualcomm modems.
The C2 modem is anticipated to offer “capabilities approaching those of the latest from Qualcomm,” signaling a strong performance uplift, including faster speeds and the crucial addition of mmWave support in the United States. This advanced modem is not exclusive to the foldable; it is also expected to power the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup, indicating its importance in Apple’s future ecosystem. Furthermore, Gurman’s reports suggest that the foldable device will boldly eliminate the physical SIM slot, embracing an eSIM-only format, a feature also rumored for the iPhone 17 Air. This move, while seen by some as a “tricky situation” for consumers, particularly those who frequently switch SIMs or travel internationally, aligns with Apple’s drive for internal space efficiency and a sleeker design. Although regional variations might be considered for other markets, similar to Google’s Pixel lineup, this remains to be seen.
In terms of power, Apple is reportedly placing a heavy emphasis on improving power efficiency and maximizing battery life within the constrained space of a foldable. This involves slimming down key components, such as the display driver, to free up critical internal volume for more battery cells. The phone is expected to utilize high-density battery cells, the same advanced technology that Ming-Chi Kuo believes will be integrated into Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. This high-density cell technology has been instrumental in allowing other manufacturers, like Oppo, Vivo, and Honor, to achieve slim foldable designs while still packing impressive 5,000mAh+ battery capacities. This focus on battery innovation is essential for ensuring the foldable iPhone delivers all-day power despite its advanced features and dual-screen demands.
7. **Pricing and Premium Market Positioning of the Foldable iPhone**: Apple’s entry into the foldable arena is unequivocally targeted at the ultra-premium segment, signaling a significant investment for consumers. Reports consistently suggest a price tag ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 in the United States, which could undeniably make it the most expensive iPhone ever, comfortably surpassing current Pro Max models. This ambitious pricing reflects Apple’s commitment to delivering a meticulously engineered, no-compromise product.
More recent analyses from investment banking firm UBS offer a slightly adjusted, though still premium, estimate, placing the device’s price between 1,800 and 2,000. This positions Apple’s foldable directly against top-tier Android rivals such as Samsung’s and Google’s flagship foldables. Despite the significant cost, the foldable iPhone is widely expected to resonate strongly with Apple’s devoted customer base, many of whom readily invest in the latest technology from Cupertino, viewing it as a “must-have device.”
This premium market positioning is not solely about profit; it is a strategic move to validate and elevate the entire foldable category. By introducing a high-end, polished product, Apple aims to reshape consumer perception. The sheer allure of an Apple-branded, perfectly crafted foldable could be the catalyst needed to propel flexible display technology into broader mainstream adoption, demonstrating that premium innovation remains a powerful market driver.
Read more about: Awe Dropping Expectations: Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s September 9th iPhone 17 Launch
8. **Anticipated Launch Window and the Road Ahead for the Foldable iPhone**: The long-rumored foldable iPhone is finally nearing its debut, with a strong consensus pointing to 2026 as its launch year. This timeline is supported by insights from prominent industry analysts such as Jeff Pu, who noted that the device entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn in March. This indicates that manufacturing preparations are well underway and progressing steadily.
Further solidifying the 2026 timeframe, Foxconn is reportedly set to begin official production in late Q3 or early Q4 2025, preceding the planned mass production in the second half of 2026, as affirmed by Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also anticipates a fall 2026 launch, aligning with Apple’s traditional iPhone release calendar. The device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series, indicating a strategic overhaul of Apple’s high-end smartphone portfolio.
While some recent suggestions have pushed the launch date of the foldable iPhone to 2027, the overwhelming expert opinion favors 2026. Apple appears to be preparing a significant revamp of its product announcements, potentially unveiling the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the innovative iPhone Fold all at once. This ambitious strategy underscores Apple’s determination to lead the next wave of mobile technology.
9. **The iPhone 17 Air: Setting the Stage for Ultra-Thin Design**: Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air, expected at the fall launch event next month, is poised to serve as a critical harbinger of future design philosophy. Rumored to be Apple’s thinnest phone ever, it aims to surpass even the iPhone 6, which was known for its “bendgate” controversy. This aggressive pursuit of a slender profile underscores Apple’s renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of industrial design and user aesthetics, setting a new standard for phone thinness.
This ultra-thin device is anticipated to strategically replace the iPhone 16 Plus. Mark Gurman confidently predicts that the 17 Air will debut in a “light blue” hue, a detail corroborated by leaked dummy models, highlighting specific aesthetic choices. Under its sleek exterior, it is expected to feature Apple’s custom C1 modem, a single rear camera, and exclusively support eSIM, reflecting Apple’s drive for internal space optimization and a streamlined physical form.
Despite its extreme thinness, Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the 17 Air will utilize high-density battery cells, suggesting that Apple is actively working to optimize power within its constrained dimensions. Gurman notes that the “engineering and components” of the iPhone 17 Air will “set the stage for future innovation” across subsequent generations, making it a pivotal device that lays crucial groundwork for advancements, including the forthcoming foldable iPhone.
Read more about: Awe Dropping Expectations: Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s September 9th iPhone 17 Launch
10. **The iPhone 20: A Radical 20th Anniversary Redesign with Curved Glass**: Beyond the immediate future, Apple is reportedly planning a truly radical transformation for its flagship device, timed to coincide with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027. This celebratory model, dubbed the “iPhone 20” by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, promises a monumental departure from the current glass-and-flat-metal design introduced with the iPhone 12 series, signifying a profound shift in Apple’s core aesthetic philosophy.
Gurman reveals that the iPhone 20 will finally “break from the squared-off slab,” embracing an entirely new approach with “curved glass edges all around.” This vision suggests a return to a more organic, flowing form factor, reimagined with modern materials and manufactured with high precision. It aims to create a device that is both visually stunning and ergonomically comfortable, blending elements of earlier designs with contemporary innovation.
This ambitious hardware redesign is expected to seamlessly integrate with Apple’s software advancements. Gurman notes that the iPhone 20’s curved glass aesthetics will perfectly “hardware match” the anticipated “glossy, reflective, and animated Liquid Glass interface” expected with iOS 26. This holistic design, in which hardware and software are crafted in concert, promises an exceptionally immersive and intuitive user experience for the iPhone’s landmark anniversary.
11. **Apple Glasses: The Imminent Leap into Augmented Reality**: As Apple extends its gaze beyond traditional smartphones, the long-anticipated “Apple Glasses” are transitioning from a speculative concept to a more definite future. A product roadmap from tipster Revegnus indicates that 2027 is the year Apple is “gearing up to unveil its first-ever AR glasses,” a timeline aligning with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman’s 2023 prediction that Apple was “at least four years away” from such a product. This convergence strongly suggests an imminent launch.
Further reinforcing these claims are numerous patent submissions from late last year, which offer glimpses into the sophisticated technology Apple is developing for wearable augmented reality. These filings hint at advanced display systems, intricate sensor arrays, and novel interaction methods, all of which are vital for delivering a truly immersive and functional AR experience. Apple’s meticulous approach suggests a polished, groundbreaking entry into this new product category.
While a 2027 launch for a completely new product like AR glasses might seem distant, in tech development cycles, it represents an “imminent leap” into a transformative era. This timing signifies Apple’s strategic intent to establish a dominant presence in the augmented reality space, building upon the foundational work established by its Vision Pro headset. Such a device could profoundly redefine how users interact with digital information, seamlessly blending it with their physical surroundings.
12. **The Foldable iPad: Reimagining Tablet Utility and Form Factors** While much of the foldable discussion centers on the iPhone, Apple’s vision for flexible displays extends compellingly to its tablet lineup. The Revegnus roadmap points to 2027 as the year for a groundbreaking foldable iPad, specifically one “boasting a 20-inch display.” This suggests an exceptionally expansive and versatile device, poised to redefine tablet utility by offering a massive screen when unfolded, thus fundamentally transforming the mobile computing experience.
This 20-inch claim contrasts with earlier rumors that speculated Apple’s initial foldable device might be a “foldable iPad Mini.” Such a compact foldable, also potentially timed to coincide with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027, would offer a different strategic approach. It would emphasize ultra-portability, aiming to revive the smaller tablet form factor by allowing users to carry a pocketable device that expands into a more capable screen.
The concept of a foldable iPad Mini, in particular, could serve as a powerful catalyst for its category, which has seen fewer updates compared to larger iPads. Reimagining it with a flexible display could inject new life into it, attracting fresh attention to a form factor beloved for its portability. It promises a device that seamlessly transitions between compact convenience and expansive productivity, blurring the lines between tablets and ultra-portable computing devices.
Product on Amazon: Air AR Glasses, Lightweight Augmented Reality Smart Glasses, 120″ HD Virtual Screen, Compatible with iPhone 15 pro Future Type C Models, Steam Deck, Gaming Consoles, PC, Android, Home Theater
Brand: Rokid
Binding: Electronics Product Group: Electronics
Price: 205.79 USD
Rating: 1.0 Total reviews: 1
Features:
1. Rokid Air is designed for near-sighted users (currently no astigmatism, no farsightedness up to 500 degrees). Simply turn the dial on the top of the glasses to get 0-500 degrees of near vision adjustment to enhance your movie watching and gaming experience.
2. Your Ideal Gadgets: Features with FoV 43°, display up to 200″ massive screen in your pocket, bring your a surprised gaming and viewing movie experience, is an ideal gadgets for every cinephile or gamer.
3. Your Best AR Companion: Just a weight of 79g, access your own portable cinematic experience from anywhere with a 120″ HD 1080p OLED display. Enhance the world around you with dazzling visuals and thrilling games powered by AR.
4. Care Your Eyes: Certified by TÜV Rhineland, Rokid Air TÜV Rhineland-certified flicker-free and blue light filter technologies to minimize eyestrain and ensure a comfortable viewing experience.
Shopping on Amazon >>
As we look beyond the iPhone 16, it is clear that Apple is preparing for a period of unprecedented innovation, moving far beyond mere incremental updates. The upcoming foldable iPhone, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, the radically redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone 20, the eagerly anticipated Apple Glasses, and the versatile foldable iPad collectively paint a picture of a company resolutely focused on future-forward technology. Cupertino is decisively setting the stage for a thrilling and transformative era for technology enthusiasts worldwide, signaling that the days of “boring iPhone releases” are definitively over and have been replaced by a bold vision that could once again redefine our digital lives.
