Fresh images of the alleged foldable iPhone have leaked online. Some elements in them look noticeably more compact than in previous leaks, and the back panel of the device differs from the March CAD drawings. If the images are genuine, Apple has seriously refined the design of its first foldable smartphone.
The foldable Apple iPhone looks stunning in new images
Foldable iPhone: New Photos and Key Design Changes
Rumors about a foldable iPhone have been circulating for years, and in March 2026, so-called CAD drawings — technical sketches of the future device — leaked online. At the time, it seemed like we had seen a near-final design and could now imagine what the iPhone Fold would look like.
According to the original drawings, the smartphone was supposed to look like this
However, on April 6, insider Majin Bu published several new images on platform X, which he says show a prototype or high-quality mockup of the foldable iPhone. The main difference from the March leaks — the camera module has become significantly smaller, and the back panel of the device looks different.
But apparently, the camera module will look like this
In total, Majin Bu posted three new shots plus one old image from the March CAD drawings for comparison. According to the insider, this design may turn out to be the final one.
What the Foldable iPhone Will Look Like
Rumors in 2026 have ultimately converged on Apple choosing a book format — the device opens horizontally, like a notebook. When closed, the user works with the external screen — reportedly around 5.5 inches in diagonal. When opened, the main internal display measuring nearly 7.8 inches appears — slightly smaller than an iPad mini.
In practice, this means that when folded, the foldable iPhone will function as a regular smartphone, and when unfolded — as a compact tablet for reading, video, and multitasking. CAD leaks show that the external display is wider than a standard iPhone screen, and the device itself when folded will be more square and less elongated than familiar models.
Foldable iPhone: Touch ID, Face ID, and Cameras
The thin body of the foldable smartphone forces Apple to make compromises. The iPhone Fold will have two main cameras instead of three — without a telephoto lens. There isn’t enough room for the Face ID facial recognition system, so Touch ID will replace it — a fingerprint scanner built into the power button, like on iPad Air and iPad mini.
For those accustomed to unlocking their iPhone with a glance, this is a noticeable step backward. But for a foldable body approximately 4.5–4.8 mm thick when unfolded, there appears to be no other option.
Touch ID will be located in the lock button
Also, according to rumors, the front camera will be designed as a hole-punch in the screen, rather than as Dynamic Island — a first for iPhone. The left edge of the device will be completely free of buttons — the opening mechanism will be located there.
Screen Crease on iPhone Fold
One of the main problems with all foldable smartphones is the visible crease in the middle of the screen, which interferes with reading and watching videos. According to rumors, the 2026 foldable iPhone’s crease won’t be visible. Apple reportedly worked on eliminating it “regardless of cost” and developed a new material that solves this problem.
The fold is described as “almost invisible” when unfolded. If this is indeed the case, Apple will be able to avoid the main complaint leveled at the foldable Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.
Foldable iPhone Price
The foldable iPhone won’t be cheap — rumors point to a starting price above $2,000. It will be the most expensive iPhone in the 2026 lineup. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates the price in the range of $2,000 to $2,500, and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman cites similar figures.
According to estimates, in Russia the iPhone Fold could cost approximately 215,000 ₽ for the base 256 GB model. The 1 TB version could run 310,000 ₽ and above. This is MacBook Pro-level pricing, not smartphone pricing. The device will be available in three storage options: 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB.
Foldable iPhone Release Date
Multiple sources point to an announcement in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. However, actual shipments may begin later — possibly in December. If issues arise with the hinge or display, the launch could be pushed to 2027.
Samsung Display is expected to begin mass production of OLED panels for the foldable iPhone in May 2026. This indirectly confirms that the project is on schedule.
Foldable iPhone rumors: from first prototypes to the anticipated fall 2026 launch
Is It Worth Waiting for the Foldable iPhone
It’s important to remember: all these images are leaks that cannot be independently verified. Majin Bu has previously published accurate details about unannounced Apple devices, which lends his claims a certain weight. But even proven insiders make mistakes.
It will be an interesting smartphone, but the high price could deter potential buyers
The new shots look more convincing than the March CAD drawings, and if they truly reflect the final design, Apple is clearly aiming for compactness and visual cleanliness. But the final design may differ — everything can change before the official announcement.
The foldable iPhone is potentially one of the most significant turns in the lineup’s history.
