Discussions surrounding a foldable iPhone have circulated for many years, and we’re finally seeing some progress, with the iPhone Fold anticipated to debut next year. Recent reports suggest it will incorporate another highly-anticipated feature: Face ID integrated beneath the display.
Today’s updates also provide insight into the specific resolutions of the inner and outer screens, confirming earlier findings regarding their diagonal measurements …
iPhone Fold anticipated for next year
Speculations about a foldable iPhone date back to at least 2017, sparked by an Apple patent on a folding display that emerged later that same year.
Interest intensified last year when a leaked memo from Apple’s John Ternus outlined the company’s iPhone development plans as “the most ambitious in the product’s history.” This was followed by reports from WSJ and Bloomberg, indicating that 2026 could be the year it finally happens.
For quite some time, there has been uncertainty over whether Apple would choose a Flip or a Fold design. It is now becoming clear that Apple is pursuing the Fold option, allowing a standard-sized iPhone to unfold into something akin to an iPad mini.
Face ID integrated within the display
Although embedding the front-facing camera within an iPhone display is technically feasible today, Android manufacturers have showcased the quality trade-offs this entails. It will eventually be achieved, but likely not in the near future.
For quite a while, expectations have been high for Face ID to be integrated into the display, with a recent patent hinting at Apple overcoming the major challenges associated with this.
While infrared light can pass through displays, its transmission is notoriously poor, which would hinder the speed and reliability of facial recognition compared to current technology.
Apple has previously explored the notion of selectively disabling certain pixels to enhance transmission, but a patent granted yesterday (identified by Patently Apple) outlines a more straightforward and reliable solution: the removal of certain subpixels.
Expected in the iPhone Fold, according to leaker
A reliable leaker has indicated that this technology will debut in the iPhone Fold. Digital Chat Station (DCS) reports that the outer screen will feature a punch-hole camera, while the inner screen will employ “under-screen camera technology.”
This is exclusive information regarding Apple’s folding screen. The inner screen will utilize under-screen camera technology.
While this could imply an embedded camera, the same source had previously cited a prototype display with embedded Face ID, suggesting a strong likelihood that this is what they were referring to.
iPhone Fold display specifications
DCS has also shared the precise dimensions and pixel resolutions for both the inner and outer screens.
Inner screen – 7.76″± 2713*1920p – under-screen camera technology
Outer screen – 5.49″± 2088*1422p – screen hole-digging scheme
This corresponds with last month’s report where Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo described the dimensions as 5.5 inches for the outer screen and 7.8 inches for the inner one.
Interestingly, Kuo anticipated Apple would opt for Touch ID instead of Face ID, doubting there would be sufficient thickness for the latter technology to be embedded in the display. However, this seems to be an assumption, as DCS appears to have more concrete information.
DMN’s Perspective
Consensus is strong that the iPhone Fold is set to launch next year – or at least this is Apple’s present objective.
At this stage, it’s difficult to predict how significant the impact of the device may be. Some analysts foresee it rejuvenating iPhone sales, but with a potential price tag around $2,000, I personally anticipate it will remain more of a niche offering.
I expect the first generation to resemble the Vision Pro: a proof of concept intended to facilitate the development of more affordable variants in the future.
Render: DMN
