Rumors have been swirling for a long time about Apple working on a foldable iPhone, and it seems we may now be closer than ever. Last month, several key details leaked, revealing some clues about what’s in store. Now, a fresh tip from China suggests that the foldable iPhone might borrow a thing (or two) from the Galaxy Z Fold series, and that could be a good thing.
Apple’s debut foldable iPhone could borrow under-display camera tech from Galaxy Z Fold
According to popular tipster Digital Chat Station (in Chinese), Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone will feature an under-display front camera. Now that’s something the Galaxy Z Fold series has included since its third generation in 2021. Samsung’s foldables continue to use under-display cameras beneath the inner foldable screen, and if Apple goes the same route, it could be a smart move.
Under-display cameras are nearly invisible, which helps create a more seamless screen experience. The downside, of course, is that they don’t capture photos as well as regular front cameras, since the screen covering them blocks a lot of light. That’s one reason why you won’t find them in flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. So if Apple includes an under-display front camera in its foldable iPhone, don’t expect top-tier selfies. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also includes a cover screen camera, and hopefully, Apple will follow suit.
That said, reports suggest Apple could reveal the foldable iPhone in 2026. Well, likely in the latter half of the year. It might debut at the usual fall event, where Apple announces new iPhones, but since this would be an entirely new product category, a separate event is also possible.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device will feature a book-style design with a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. When folded, the phone is expected to be 9 to 9.5mm thick, and just 4.5 to 4.8mm when unfolded. That would put it in the same range as the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 7. We’ll see how things play out for Apple, though its main competition could end up being the Galaxy Z Fold 8 by the time it arrives.
