SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 18, 2026, 07:39 PST
- Several tech outlets referenced an analyst note predicting a foldable iPhone in Apple’s 2026 lineup
- Reports suggest Touch ID will make a comeback on the foldable, alongside upgrades to new chips and modems
- Apple would be entering the foldable market, currently dominated by Samsung and Google
Apple’s eagerly anticipated iPhone Fold might arrive in September 2026, trading Face ID for the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, according to analyst Jeff Pu’s investor note referenced by Tom’s Guide. The foldable device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch main display, a 5.3-inch cover screen, and could carry a price tag near $2,400. (Tom’s Guide)
This move would finally place Apple in the foldable arena it’s observed from afar, as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and Google’s Pixel Fold have been leading the charge at the premium end. Foldables remain niche, selling modestly, yet their steep price tags help boost profit margins.
The leak arrives early in the iPhone rumor season, just as suppliers and competitors begin securing parts and mapping out their fall marketing strategies. Investors, meanwhile, are watching closely for any indication that Apple can sustain strong demand for its premium iPhones amid a tougher upgrade climate.
Macworld reported that Pu anticipates the foldable will be powered by an A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC’s cutting-edge N2 (2-nanometre) process. The device is expected to come with 12GB of memory, two rear cameras at 48 megapixels each, and a pair of 18-megapixel front-facing cameras. The body is said to combine aluminum and titanium, while Apple’s upcoming C2 modem—responsible for cellular connectivity—will be inside. (Macworld)
Another report from Tom’s Guide, also referencing Pu, revealed that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max would keep their 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens. They’ll be powered by an A20 Pro chip featuring WMCM packaging, a technique that stacks chips to boost data transfer speeds and reduce power consumption. The Pro models are expected to come with an Apple C2 modem and triple 48-megapixel rear cameras, including a variable-aperture main lens and a periscope zoom lens, which uses a folded design to extend zoom capabilities. (Tom’s Guide)
Variable aperture adjusts the lens opening to manage light intake, aiding performance in low-light conditions and altering depth of field. WMCM, a chipmaking term rather than an Apple-promoted feature, plays a role in battery life and processing power on the device.
Apple hasn’t revealed any plans for a foldable iPhone, and it usually holds its hardware details close to the vest until release. Specifications can shift significantly during development, particularly for devices that involve novel hinge mechanisms and screen technology.
Apple shares closed roughly 1% lower on Friday. U.S. markets remained closed on Sunday.
Previous leaks suggested the foldable iPhone might cost as much as $2,500, highlighting just how much pricier this initial model could be compared to the regular iPhone series. (Gadget Hacks)
However, a steep price tag and production challenges might limit who’s interested. Foldables undergo stricter durability trials and yield fewer units compared to flat smartphones. Any delay could hand Samsung, Google, and Chinese manufacturers extra time to polish their designs.
The latest leak suggests a shift: Apple’s upcoming iPhone lineup could focus on larger displays and increased use of its own chips, rather than simply cranking up the speed of the usual processor.
