A new rumor has emerged today regarding Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone, often referred to as the iPhone Fold, which is expected to launch next year. This latest speculation focuses on the device’s camera capabilities, adding to the excitement surrounding this innovative product. A mockup showcasing the foldable iPhone in its unfolded state has been shared by the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station.
In a previous analysis, industry expert Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that the foldable iPhone would be equipped with a dual-lens rear camera system. However, specific details were sparse. Digital Chat Station has now stepped in with more concrete information, claiming that each of these dual lenses will boast an impressive 48 megapixels. This development aligns with the current trend, as the latest iPhone 16 Pro models feature similar high-resolution cameras, including a 48-megapixel Main camera and a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera.
Given the expected premium price tag of around $2,000 for the foldable iPhone, it makes sense for Apple to ensure that the rear camera specifications match those of its Pro models. While Digital Chat Station did not disclose further details about the camera lenses, it is reasonable to anticipate that the foldable iPhone will include a 24mm main camera with an ƒ/1.78 aperture and second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization. This would help maintain feature parity with Apple’s high-end offerings.
Moreover, the main camera of the foldable iPhone is expected to integrate the iPhone 16 Fusion technology. This system combines the high-resolution sensor with smart in-sensor cropping capabilities, allowing for multiple focal lengths (such as 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm) from a single camera. However, due to space limitations, a dedicated telephoto lens is not anticipated.
In addition to the rear cameras, Kuo has stated that the foldable iPhone will feature a front-facing camera that functions in both folded and unfolded states. Reports have surfaced suggesting that the inner display will incorporate an under-screen selfie camera, while the outer display will likely feature a hole punch-style front-facing camera when the device is folded.
Beyond camera specifications, there are several other features of the foldable iPhone that have been highlighted by sources within Apple’s supply chain. These include:
A 5.5-inch outer display with a resolution of 2,088 x 1,422 pixels. A 7.8-inch inner display boasting a resolution of 2,713 x 1,920 pixels. Touch ID integrated into the Side button, indicating the absence of Face ID. A liquid metal crease-free hinge mechanism. High-density battery cells similar to those found in the iPhone 17 Air. A robust titanium chassis.Interestingly, Digital Chat Station has also suggested that the latest inner display Apple is testing may measure approximately 7.6 inches instead of the previously reported 7.8 inches, although it would maintain the same resolution. This claim raises eyebrows, as analyst Jeff Pu noted in March that the device had entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn, and altering the display size at this stage is highly unusual for a company as meticulous as Apple.
Kuo has consistently supported the 7.8-inch display dimension, further asserting that the foldable iPhone is expected to enter production between September and October of this year. With the production timeline approaching, any last-minute changes would be surprising, especially considering the level of detail and planning involved in Apple's product launches.
As anticipation builds for the release of the iPhone Fold, the rumored camera features and other specifications continue to generate excitement among Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike.