This September, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro series, and iPhone Air officially launched, but Apple will unveil an even more exciting new device next year—its first foldable iPhone, possibly named the "iPhone Fold." According to CNMO, foreign media outlets have previewed five key features of the device:
First, the iPhone Fold will feature a dual-screen design, with an approximately 7.8-inch inner screen and an approximately 5.5-inch outer screen. The inner screen is similar in size to earlier iPad mini versions, while the outer screen will appeal to iPhone mini fans, as this discontinued model once had a 5.4-inch screen. This means users will be able to experience a smaller outer screen and a larger inner screen than on existing iPhones, all in one device.
Second, the iPhone Fold may adopt a "creaseless" "book fold" design, eliminating the crease common with traditional foldable screens. It's expected to be 9-9.5mm thick when folded and only 4.5-4.8mm when unfolded, making it thinner than the new iPhone Air. This will not only improve portability but also enhance durability.
Third, the camera system will be one of the iPhone Fold's highlights, featuring a total of four cameras: two 48-megapixel rear cameras (possibly including wide-angle or telephoto lenses), a front-facing camera when folded, and another front-facing camera when unfolded. The Center Stage front-facing camera technology introduced by Apple in the iPhone 17 is likely to be used here, and the design may feature a punch-hole or no punch-hole.
Fourth, regarding authentication, the iPhone Fold is expected to use Touch ID rather than Face ID. Touch ID will likely be integrated into the side button, similar to the iPad Air. This move is likely to avoid adding multiple Face ID components for the inner and outer screens, primarily due to space constraints rather than cost.
Fifth, the material design will utilize titanium, including the hinge and casing, continuing Apple's tradition of material innovation in its high-end models. The overall effect resembles two iPhone Airs side by side, but thinner and lighter.
Analysts believe that the iPhone Fold has the potential to promote wider market acceptance of foldable devices. While it will take a year to observe market response, the hardware specifications of Apple's first foldable phone are quite attractive. The key question lies on the software side: will iOS offer new windowing or multitasking features tailored to the large screen? Apple has always excelled at optimizing hardware and software synergies, so the iPhone Fold's performance in this area is worth anticipating.
