Apple's Foldable iPhone: Book-Style Design, eSIM-Only Setup, and More

Apple is reportedly preparing to release its first foldable iPhone in 2026 with a book-style form factor and eSIM-only setup. The device will feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch foldable inner panel, with a 48MP primary sensor and four cameras in total. It will also integrate Touch ID and possibly feature under-display camera technology. The foldable iPhone will likely be part of the iPhone 18 series and share the same Apple Silicon generation as other upcoming models.

Apple is reportedly preparing to release its first foldable iPhone in 2026, marking a significant shift in the company's smartphone strategy. The device, codenamed 'V68', is set to feature a book-style design with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch foldable inner panel [1]. This innovative form factor is expected to open into a larger, tablet-like display, providing users with a more versatile and immersive experience.

One of the key focuses for Apple is the development of a "crease-free" display. To achieve this, the company is exploring a laser-drilled metal support plate and a new in-cell touchscreen technology [1]. This technology aims to reduce the visibility of the crease, a common point of criticism for existing foldable phones.

The foldable iPhone is expected to be a premium device, with a price tag starting around $1,999. In terms of features, leaks suggest that the device will come equipped with a five-camera system, including one on the front, one on the inner screen, and a dual-camera setup on the back [1]. Additionally, the device is rumored to integrate Touch ID for biometric security, opting to forgo Face ID to achieve a slimmer profile [1].

Another notable feature of the foldable iPhone is its eSIM-only setup. This means that the device will not have a physical SIM card slot, relying instead on eSIM technology for connectivity [1]. This move aligns with Apple's push away from physical SIM cards and towards a more integrated and secure connectivity experience.

The launch of the foldable iPhone is not just about a new product; it could signal a major change in Apple's release cycle. Some reports suggest that to highlight the new category, Apple may skip the standard iPhone 18 launch in 2026, instead releasing the foldable alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max [1]. This strategy would place the foldable iPhone at the center of Apple's fall lineup, hoping to reignite consumer interest and drive innovation in a smartphone market that has become increasingly stagnant.

References:

[1] https://www.mobileappdaily.com/news/apple-foldable-iphone-2026-launch