Apple is widely expected to enter the foldable smartphone market in 2026, and new leaks are now shedding light on what could be one of the biggest design shifts in iPhone history. According to recent reports, Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone—commonly referred to as the iPhone Fold—may feature an all-black camera plateau, redesigned button placement, and several internal changes aimed at keeping the device slim and premium.
All-black camera module to set iPhone Fold apart
As per a leak shared by tipster Instant Digital on Weibo, the iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a camera “plateau” similar to the iPhone Air, but with a notable twist. Instead of matching the phone’s body colour, Apple may opt for an entirely black camera module, regardless of the device’s finish.
The rear camera layout is tipped to include two horizontally aligned cameras, accompanied by a microphone and LED flash. This design choice could give Apple’s foldable a bold and instantly recognisable look, similar to the black camera accents seen on some iPad Pro models. If accurate, this would mark a clear departure from Apple’s recent minimalist camera styling.
Limited colour options at launch
At launch, Apple may keep colour options limited for its first foldable iPhone. The leak suggests that white is the only confirmed colour so far, though Apple is expected to introduce at least one additional shade. Keeping the palette restricted initially could help Apple streamline production for a complex new form factor.
Major changes to button placement
One of the most interesting revelations is the unusual button layout planned for the iPhone Fold. Unlike traditional iPhones, the volume buttons are expected to move to the top edge, aligned toward the right side. This setup resembles the button placement on the iPad mini and may improve usability when the device is folded.
Meanwhile, the Touch ID–enabled power button and the Camera Control button are expected to remain on the right edge. The left side of the phone may be completely free of buttons, creating a cleaner and more symmetrical design. Apple is reportedly making these adjustments to improve ergonomics while keeping the foldable mechanism slim.
Smaller Dynamic Island, no Face ID
The iPhone Fold is also said to feature a smaller Dynamic Island, possibly achieved by switching to a single punch-hole front camera. Notably, reports suggest Apple may skip Face ID altogether on this model. Removing Face ID hardware could help reduce thickness—an important consideration for foldable devices—and make room for a larger battery.
Display, performance, and camera expectations
On the display front, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 7.8-inch crease-less inner OLED display, paired with a 5.5-inch outer screen. If true, the cover display would be the smallest used on a modern iPhone, but still large enough for essential tasks.
Powering the device could be Apple’s upcoming A20 Pro chipset, which is also expected to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. In terms of photography, the foldable iPhone may include four cameras in total—two rear cameras and one front-facing camera on each display for selfies and video calls.
Battery life could be another highlight. Reports claim the iPhone Fold may house Apple’s largest iPhone battery yet, potentially exceeding 5,500mAh, a significant upgrade over current models.
Expected launch date and price
The iPhone Fold is expected to launch in September 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Pricing is likely to place it firmly in the ultra-premium category, with reports suggesting a starting price of $2,400 (around ₹2.15 lakh) in the US.
Apple is also rumoured to be working on a clamshell-style “iPhone Flip”, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, though that model may not arrive before 2027.
If these leaks hold true, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could focus less on flashy gimmicks and more on refined design, usability, and premium engineering—a strategy consistent with Apple’s approach to new product categories.
Summary: iPhone Fold Design and Features Leaked
Apple is expected to introduce its first-ever foldable iPhone in September 2026, and a new leak has revealed key details about its design, buttons, display, performance, and pricing.
According to a Weibo tipster, the iPhone Fold will feature an all-black camera plateau, unlike the body-coloured camera modules seen on current iPhones. The rear camera layout is said to include two horizontally placed cameras, along with a microphone and flash, giving the phone a distinctive, iPad-Pro-like look. At launch, the device may be available in just two colours, with white being the only confirmed option so far.
Apple is also reportedly changing button placement for the foldable model. The volume buttons are expected to move to the top edge, aligned to the right—similar to the iPad mini. Meanwhile, the Touch ID power button and Camera Control button will stay on the right side. The left edge will be completely button-free, offering a cleaner and more symmetrical design. These changes are aimed at improving usability when the phone is folded or unfolded.
On the front, the iPhone Fold may feature a smaller Dynamic Island, achieved through a single punch-hole camera. Apple is expected to skip Face ID, likely to keep the device thinner, and rely on Touch ID instead.
In terms of display, the foldable iPhone is tipped to include a 7.8-inch crease-less inner OLED screen and a 5.5-inch outer display, which would be the smallest display ever used on a modern iPhone. Internally, the phone may run on Apple’s upcoming A20 Pro chipset, the same processor expected in the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Camera-wise, the device could feature four cameras in total—two rear cameras and one front-facing camera on each display. Reports also suggest that the iPhone Fold may pack Apple’s largest-ever iPhone battery, potentially exceeding 5,500mAh.
As for pricing, the iPhone Fold is expected to be positioned as an ultra-premium product, with a reported US price of $2,400 (around ₹2.15 lakh). Apple is also said to be working on a clamshell-style “iPhone Flip”, but that model may arrive later, possibly in 2027.