iPhone Fold 2026: Apple’s First Foldable With Touch ID and eSIM
iPhone Fold tipped for 2026 release with dual screens, Touch ID, Apple’s new C2 modem, and no SIM card slot. Here’s what to expect.
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Apple is preparing to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in early September, but attention is already shifting to another device that could mark a turning point for the company: a foldable iPhone. Reports indicate the model, tentatively called iPhone Fold, may launch in 2026, featuring a redesigned display, new cameras, and Apple’s in-house modem technology.
According to industry sources cited by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is testing a book-style foldable design with two functional displays.
The exterior is likely to include a 5–6 inch cover screen, while the inside may unfold into an 8-inch main display, positioning the device to operate as both a standard iPhone and a tablet-like device.
Prototypes reportedly feature two rear cameras and dual front cameras, with one positioned on the cover screen and another on the internal display. The rear setup is expected to include a high-resolution primary sensor along with either an ultra-wide or telephoto lens, a configuration that would bring the foldable closer to Apple’s Pro lineup in terms of photography.
Unlike existing iPhones that rely on Face ID, Apple’s foldable may return to Touch ID authentication. Analysts suggest this move is tied to the device’s form factor, as the company is aiming for a folded thickness under 5mm, which may not accommodate Apple’s current Face ID hardware.
Another major change involves cellular connectivity. The iPhone Fold is tipped to ship with Apple’s C2 modem, which is expected to debut first in the iPhone 17 Air.
This modem will replace Qualcomm components and extend Apple’s shift toward fully in-house hardware integration.
In addition, the device is unlikely to include a physical SIM slot, requiring users to adopt e-SIM technology exclusively.
If released as expected in 2026, Apple’s foldable will enter a segment currently led by Samsung and other Android manufacturers. Analysts note that Apple’s emphasis on display durability, camera performance, and seamless integration with iOS could position the iPhone Fold as a direct challenger in the high-end foldable category.
The company has not confirmed development details, and specifications may still change before launch.
