Apple to launch its first foldable iPhone tomorrow, leak says it is called iPhone Duo: Full details here

Apple's first foldable iPhone could finally arrive tomorrow at its September 9 event. The device could introduce a new iPhone form factor while trading Face ID and a telephoto camera for a thinner design.

In Short

• Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at its September 9
• The book-style foldable might feature 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen
• Two 48-megapixel rear cameras are tipped, but telephoto lens may be missing

Apple could finally launch its first-ever foldable iPhone tomorrow. No, the company has not confirmed the launch, but it has confirmed that its annual launch event is happening on September 9 with this year’s tagline being “Surprise and Shine”. During this event, we could see the new generation of iPhone 18 Pro models, new AirPods, Apple Watch and Watch Ultra models, and the all-new foldable iPhone, or what some reports are calling the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Duo.

The rumours are not just about the possibility of a foldable iPhone. Leaks and speculation are also giving us hints of what Apple’s first foldable iPhone could look like and the features it could offer. Here is everything we know so far about Apple’s first foldable.

What will the first foldable iPhone look like?

If leaks are anything to go by, Apple’s first foldable iPhone will look quite different from the iPhones we are used to. The design is expected to be similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Xiaomi 18 Fold, with a regular-sized outer display for everyday use and a much larger screen that opens up when you unfold the phone.

As for the dimensions, reports suggest the outer display could be around 5.3 to 5.5 inches, while the inner display could measure 7.7 to 7.8 inches. The larger screen is expected to have a 4:3 aspect ratio, which could make the unfolded iPhone feel more like a small tablet than a very large phone.

We saw Apple debut its thinnest iPhone last year — the iPhone Air. This year, Apple could be taking its obsession with making iPhones thinner to the next level with the foldable. The phone is tipped to be just around 4.5mm thick when unfolded. Some reports even suggest that the first-generation iPhone Air in fact helped Apple lay the groundwork for this ultra-thin design.

Apple is also said to be working on a new hinge and display setup to make the crease less noticeable.

Apple could bring back Touch ID

While the thin design would make the foldable lighter and compact, it will also come with some tradeoffs.

The biggest one could be Face ID. Reports suggest Apple may drop Face ID from the foldable because the TrueDepth camera system could be difficult to fit into such a thin body.

Instead, Apple could bring back Touch ID, with the fingerprint sensor built into the side-mounted power button. If that happens, it would be a notable change for a premium iPhone, given that Apple has relied on Face ID for years.

The cameras may not be as Pro

Another big compromise could be the camera. While we are expecting the first foldable iPhone to cost a fortune, it may not match the camera capabilities of Apple’s expensive and powerful Pro lineup.

According to current leaks, the foldable could have two 48-megapixel rear cameras: a main camera and an ultra-wide camera. It might skip a dedicated telephoto camera, which you get on Apple’s Pro models.

There could also be front-facing cameras on both the outer and inner displays, so you should be able to take selfies and make video calls whether the phone is folded or unfolded.

What chip will the foldable iPhone use?

Under the hood, the foldable is expected to get Apple’s next-generation A20-series chip, along with around 12GB of RAM.

Storage options are tipped to start at 256GB, with 512GB and 1TB variants also reportedly in the works.

Apple could also use its next-generation C2 modem, although there are still conflicting reports about the exact modem configuration and 5G support.

MagSafe could be there too

There were some doubts about whether Apple would be able to fit MagSafe into a foldable design. But newer leaks suggest that MagSafe could be included after all.

This means you may still be able to use Apple’s MagSafe chargers and other compatible accessories with the foldable.

There are still some details we do not know for sure, including the button layout, modem and connectivity options. So, for now, these are all leaked details and not confirmed specifications.

Foldable iPhone price

Apple’s first-ever foldable device will be anything but cheap. Reports suggest it will sit firmly in the Pro price category, with some estimates putting it even higher than Apple’s most expensive Pro models.

Current reports suggest that the foldable could start at around $2,000 or more, with the price going even higher for the top storage variant. Reuters, meanwhile, reports that analysts expect the phone to cost more than $2,500.

In India, we could see the foldable iPhone priced at around Rs 2 lakh or more, although the final price will only be known if and when Apple launches it.

As for the sale, you might have to wait a little longer. Apple could announce the phone tomorrow but make customers wait before it actually goes on sale. Supply is also expected to be limited initially, as foldable displays and hinges are more difficult to manufacture at scale.

Do note that all these details are based on leaks and speculation. Apple has not officially confirmed the foldable iPhone, its name or its specifications. But if the leaks are right, September 9 could mark one of the biggest edition the iPhone line-up in years.

- Ends