iPhone Fold: Setting the New Standard for Widescreen Foldables
As Apple prepares for its massive September 2026 event, new reports from The Indian Express and industry leakers suggest the long-rumored “iPhone Fold” (potentially named the iPhone Ultra) is designed to fix the biggest flaws of current foldables.
Rather than following the tall, narrow design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, Apple is reportedly aiming for a “passport” form factor that could standardize widescreen foldables for the entire industry.
1. The “Passport” Design: Wider is Better
The standout feature of the iPhone Fold is its 4:3 aspect ratio, moving away from the “remote control” feel of existing foldable phones.
-
Form Factor: When closed, the device is shorter and wider, resembling a passport.
-
The Display Duo: It is expected to feature a 5.5-inch outer cover screen and a massive 7.8-inch inner display, effectively putting an iPad mini inside your pocket.
-
The “iPad Effect”: By using a 4:3 ratio, Apple allows app developers to use layouts similar to iPadOS, making multitasking and video consumption much more natural than on narrow screens.
2. Eliminating the Crease “Regardless of Cost”
Apple’s obsession with perfection has reportedly led them to develop a “nearly invisible” crease, a feat that has eluded competitors for years.
-
New Materials: Reports mention a “liquid metal” hinge and a structural glass mid-frame designed to keep the screen perfectly flat.
-
Self-Heating Tech: A fascinating patent reveals a self-heating display layer that warms the screen in cold weather to prevent the polymers from cracking or stiffening during a fold.
-
Depth: The crease is rumored to be under 0.15mm deep, making it almost imperceptible to both the eye and the touch.
3. The Trade-Offs for Extreme Thinness
To achieve a target thickness of just 4.5mm (unfolded)—making it the thinnest iPhone ever—Apple is reportedly making some bold design sacrifices:
-
Goodbye Face ID: The ultra-slim frame doesn’t have room for the TrueDepth camera system. Instead, biometrics will return to Touch ID, likely integrated into the power button (similar to the iPad Air).
-
Camera System: To keep the device light and thin, early dummy units show only a dual-camera setup (Wide and Ultra-Wide), potentially skipping the Telephoto lens found on Pro models.
-
MagSafe & Buttons: Some leaks suggest the removal of MagSafe and even the Action Button to save every millimeter of internal space.
4. Pricing and Launch (India Context)
Positioned as a “super-premium” device above the Pro Max, the price tag is expected to be record-breaking.
-
Global Price: Rumored to start at $2,400.
-
India Expected Price: Due to import duties and taxes, industry analysts estimate a starting price of roughly ₹2,25,000.
-
The New Era: This will be the first major product launch under incoming CEO John Ternus, marking a “Fresh Era” for Apple’s 50th-anniversary year.
iPhone Fold Spec Sheet (Leaked)
| Feature | Specification |
| Inner Display | 7.8-inch Crease-less OLED (4:3 Ratio) |
| Outer Display | 5.5-inch OLED |
| Processor | A20 Pro (2nm Process) |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Battery | 5,500mAh (Largest in iPhone History) |
| Thickness | 4.5mm (Unfolded) / 9.5mm (Folded) |