Apple iPhone Fold Set to Launch in September 2026 With Crease Free Display and A20 Pro Chip

Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with its highly anticipated iPhone Fold, expected to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series. The device promises to set a new benchmark in foldable technology with a crease-free display, liquid metal hinge, and high-end specifications that could make it a major player in the growing global foldable market.

Event Details and Venue Information

• Event Type: Global Product Launch (Consumer Electronics)
  
  

• Event Name: Apple iPhone Fold Launch
  
  

• Description: The Apple iPhone Fold launch will introduce Apple’s first foldable smartphone, featuring a flexible OLED display, next-generation A-series chip, advanced cameras, and seamless iOS integration. The event will highlight Apple’s innovation in design, performance, and user experience in the foldable smartphone segment.
  
  

• Start Date: Expected September 2026 (Typical Apple Fall Launch Window)
  
  

• Time: To Be Announced (TBA)
  
  

• End Date: N/A (Single-Day Event)
  
  

• Location: Global (Hybrid Event – Physical + Online Streaming)
  
  

• Place: Worldwide (Primary Launch from Apple Park, Cupertino, California)
  
  

• Street Address: 1 Apple Park Way
  
  

• Address Locality: Cupertino
  
  

• Address Region: California, United States
  
  

• Postal Code: 95014

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone

The iPhone Fold is Apple’s first foldable smartphone, combining a compact design with a tablet-like experience, and marks the company’s most ambitious hardware redesign since the iPhone X. Analysts confirm the device is in pre-production after completing engineering specifications.

Key Features:

• Foldable design: smartphone mode when folded, tablet mode when unfolded
  
  

• Unfolded inner display: 7.8 inches, 120Hz ProMotion
  
  

• Outer cover display: 5.5 inches, 120Hz ProMotion
  
  

• Refined hinges, materials, and display technology for durability
  
  

• Over a decade of R&D invested before launch

Crease-Free Foldable Display

The iPhone Fold features a crease-free foldable display, addressing a common issue in other foldables through advanced engineering.

• Crease-free design using a metal plate system and micro-laser drilling to distribute folding stress
  
  

• Inner LTPO OLED display made by Samsung Display
  
  

• Apple controls panel structure, materials, and lamination for a seamless viewing experience
  
  

• Ensures smooth, uninterrupted display without visible folds

Liquid Metal Hinge for Durability

The iPhone Fold introduces liquid metal technology in its hinge, a first for Apple smartphones. This zirconium-based alloy offers superior resistance to bending and deformation compared to conventional metals.

The hinge combines titanium, stainless steel, and liquid metal components to provide durability while keeping the device slim. The foldable thickness measures just 4.5mm unfolded and 9-9.5mm folded, making it one of the thinnest foldable smartphones. Industry testing suggests the hinge will withstand over 1 million folds, compared to 800,000 for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7.

A20 Pro Chip Delivers Next-Level Performance

• iPhone Fold set to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series
  
  

• First Apple device to feature 2nm A20 Pro chip manufactured on TSMC N2 process
  
  

• Performance improvements: up to 15% faster processing and 30% better energy efficiency compared to previous generation
  
  

• 12GB LPDDR5 RAM integrated on the same wafer as CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine
  
  

• Enhanced AI performance, battery life, and space efficiency
  
  

• iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro share identical high-end specifications across the lineup.

Biometric Authentication

Apple is replacing Face ID with Touch ID integrated into a side-mounted power button, a solution suited to the ultra-slim 4.5mm profile. This side-mounted Touch ID works whether the device is folded or unfolded and builds on Apple’s ultrasonic sensing technology used in iPads.

Advanced Camera System

The iPhone Fold comes with a versatile four-camera system for both folded and unfolded use.

Camera Highlights:

• Rear cameras: Dual 48MP sensors (wide + ultra-wide), matching iPhone 18 Pro
  
  

• Inner display: 24MP under-display camera for selfies and video calls
  
  

• Outer display: Punch-hole camera for use when folded
  
  

• Design trade-offs: No LiDAR or optical image stabilization to keep the device slim

Battery and Charging

Apple is reportedly testing a 5,400-6,000 mAh battery, making it the largest in an iPhone to date. Split battery cells on each side of the hinge allow the large display to function efficiently without sacrificing slimness. This capacity surpasses Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and rivals the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate.

The device is expected to support fast wired and wireless charging along with reverse wireless charging, ensuring convenience for users with multiple devices.

iOS 27 Optimized for Foldables

The iPhone Fold will run iOS 27, featuring foldable-optimized software. Apple is introducing split-screen multitasking, improved drag-and-drop, smooth app scaling between folded and unfolded states, and adaptive layouts.

These features will allow the larger inner display to function more like an iPad mini, enhancing productivity without compromising portability.

Premium Materials and Design

• Titanium-aluminum hybrid frame for durability and slim profile
  
  

• Dimensions: 120.6mm x 167.6mm unfolded, 120.6mm x 83.8mm folded
  
  

• Squarer design for improved usability in tablet mode
  
  

• IP68 water and dust resistance maintained
  
  

• Premium finishes expected: Desert Titanium, Space Black, and possibly Rose Gold

Apple iPhone Fold Set Pricing and Market Outlook

iPhone Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Apple’s advantages include superior hinge durability, crease-free display, larger battery, and ecosystem integration, while Samsung offers S Pen support and a larger outer display at a lower price.

Launch Timeline

Apple will unveil the iPhone Fold in September 2026 during its annual fall event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Pre-production is underway with initial units estimated at 6-8 million, scaling to 20 million units in 2027 as production ramps up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will the iPhone Fold launch?
Expected in September 2026 during Apple’s fall keynote alongside iPhone 18 Pro models.

Q2: How much will it cost in India?
Approximately ₹1,71,000 to ₹2,15,000 depending on configuration.

Q3: How does it compare to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?
The iPhone Fold offers a crease-free display, larger battery, superior hinge, Touch ID, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Samsung offers S Pen support and a slightly larger outer display at a lower price.

Q4: Will it have Face ID or Touch ID?
Touch ID side-mounted due to slim design constraints. Face ID is not included.

Q5: What are the main features?
Key features include 7.8-inch foldable LTPO OLED display, liquid metal hinge, A20 Pro 2nm chip, 12GB RAM, 5,400-6,000 mAh battery, four-camera system, titanium-aluminum frame, iOS 27 software optimized for foldables.