Here’s a big reason the ‘iPhone Fold’ will look like an iPad

By Bryan M. Wolfe Published March 28, 2025 6:16 AM

Concept render of a foldable iPhone in a fully open state. — Antonio De Rosa / Behance

Apple is expected to launch its first “iPhone Fold” in 2026, several years after rival companies like Samsung and OnePlus have already released their own foldable devices. The reason for Apple’s delay in entering the foldable market is not entirely clear. However, one plausible explanation is that Apple has focused on ensuring the device offers a seamless transition between the outer and inner displays.

This week, it was reported that Apple plans to use a liquid metal hinge in the iPhone Fold. This innovation aims to enhance durability and reduce the visibility of the display crease. Creasing was a significant issue for early foldable devices, such as the first Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, but it has improved considerably over the years.

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Many, including Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, say the iPhone Fold’s inner screen is “crease-free.”

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Apple seems to have perfected the crease design and is now focusing on making the foldable part of the iPhone Fold feel familiar.

According to leaker Digital Chat Station, the tablet section of the device will have a “roughly” 4:3 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio has been consistent across many generations of iPad models, as only the 8.3-inch iPad mini offers something different (a 3:2 aspect radio).

Rumors say the first iPhone Fold will offer a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner screen. The phone is expected to offer dual-lens rear cameras and selfie cameras on both folds. Face ID is expected to be missing; instead, the new phone is expected to offer a Touch ID side button.

The iPhone Fold is anticipated to launch in late 2026, accompanying the rest of the iPhone 18 lineup. However, its exact position within the lineup is still uncertain. The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature a traditional model, along with Pro and Pro Max variants, and will also introduce a new model for 2025 called the “iPhone Air.” It remains to be seen whether the iPhone Fold will be the fifth device in this lineup in 2006 or serve as a replacement.

Wherever the iPhone Fold falls in the lineup, there’s no denying it will be an expensive device. Rumors suggest it will launch at between $2,000 and $2,500.

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Mobile and A/V Freelancer

Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.

Mobile

Network tests show Apple C1 modem in iPhone 16e wins where it matters

The camera on the Apple iPhone 16e in White

When Apple introduced the iPhone 16e a few weeks ago, one aspect that drew the most attention was its network chip. The C1 is Apple’s first in-house modem to appear inside an iPhone, ditching the company’s total reliance on Qualcomm. However, there were also concerns about whether this modem is competitive.
The folks over at the popular internet speed testing platform, Ookla, tested the Apple-designed modem and found that it beats Qualcomm’s solution inside the iPhone 16 at a few crucial parameters. The analysis, which lasted roughly two weeks, covered AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile cellular networks.
On a general note, the iPhone 16e performed better than the iPhone 16 when tethered to AT&T and Verizon networks, while the reverse was true for T-Mobile. Ookla says the opposite T-Mobile results can be attributed to the carrier’s nationwide 5G standalone network (SA), while Apple’s C1 modem comes with limited SA compatibility.

When the going gets tough, C1 rises

Mobile

Apple’s portless iPhone could be more than a concept

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's charging port.

A portless iPhone may no longer be outside the realm of possibility for Apple. The European Union has confirmed that the Silicon Valley giant can create portless iPhones without USB-C.

We reported over the weekend that Apple wanted to make the iPhone 17 Air the first portless phone, but shelved the idea because of regulations in the EU, per a report from Bloomberg. One of those regulations was the Common Charger Directive, an environmental law that forced Apple to switch from the Lightning port to USB-C to reduce the amount of electronic waste from Lightning cables. Now, according to 9to5Mac, European Commission press officer Federica Miccoli said a portless iPhone would also comply with the directive.

Mobile

Apple could be forced to make major changes to how your iPhone works

The back of the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Apple is facing yet another landmark push in Europe that could open some of the signature features of its ecosystem. The European Commission has today detailed a couple of broad interoperability measures that Apple must follow, in order to oblige with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) guidelines.
These measures cover a total of nine connectivity features available on iPhones, covering everything from smartwatches to headphones. The idea is to give developers access to the same set of advanced features — such as immersive notifications on watches and quick pairing for peripherals — that is locked to Apple’s own devices.
“The specification decisions are legally binding,” says the regulatory body, adding that interoperability is “key to opening up new possibilities for third parties to develop innovative products and services on Apple's gatekeeper platforms.”

Hello, AirDrop alternatives!

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