Apple's Foldable Phone Plans: Everything We Know So Far

With the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, the Google Pixel Fold, and the Motorola Razr, the foldable device market is certainly starting to boom. They may not yet be the mainstream phone choice, but research from the first quarter of the year shows that global shipments increased by an impressive 49%.

While Apple is yet to make its contribution as of 2024, rumours of a foldable iPhone have been flying for years, particularly since the granting of a 22-page patent in July 2022.

Despite the recent release of the iPhone 16, we may be waiting a while for Apple's foldable devices – however, there has already been plenty of speculation.

In this article, we'll sum up all of the rumours surrounding the potential release of the Apple foldable phone, taking a closer look at its potential design and features to show what iPhone enthusiasts can expect from Apple in the near future.

iPhone Flip Design

The design of the new Apple device is likely to embrace one of two potential pathways. Firstly, it may follow the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy Fold models and fold out into a larger tablet-sized device, which is ideal for writing, drawing, or watching your favourite shows on the Apple TV app.

Alternatively, it could be more like the Galaxy Z Flip range, which offers a smaller folding clamshell design. Apple is currently rumoured to be testing both of these designs for its new iPhone Flip.

Whichever idea Apple chooses, both will prioritise durability, which can often be a problem with folding phones due to their flexible screens and complex, yet delicate hinge mechanisms.

For instance, if the iPhone Flip is dropped, it's rumoured that the hinge will start to close, therefore avoiding any potential screen damage.

The Ceramic Shield, Apple's answer to the Gorilla Glass material used for Android phone screens, could see further upgrades. This means that users won't need to worry about scratches or dents, as the display could automatically heal itself.

The iPhone Flip is also rumoured to be designed with 4 layers to provide extra protection for the folding screen: a cover layer, a hard coat layer, an inner surface, and a transparent support layer made of glass or sapphire.

Folding iPhone Display

Like the overall design, the iPhone Flip rumour mill has suggested several potential plans for the hinge design. This could consist of a simple folding mechanism that bends in the middle, which eliminates any excess stress placed on the panel and extends the lifespan of the foldable iPhone.

Alternatively, it may instead feature a joint operating mode. This would offer dual displays, allowing two foldable iPhone devices to connect and share one large space.

The display itself is likely to be big, ranging anywhere from 7.5 to 9 inches. If Apple decides to go with the larger end of the spectrum, this would make its size even greater than the 8.3-inch iPad mini! It could be supplied by either LG or Samsung, with reports that Apple has already received panel samples from Samsung for analysis.

Rumours also suggest that the foldable iPhone display is unlikely to have the Dynamic Island that's become so synonymous with Apple devices. This Dynamic Island houses the camera hardware and key iPhone notifications, including everything from the Messages and Photos app to the Apple Music catalogue.

Instead, the display could be flexible, leaving a small touch bar at the bottom that allows convenient access to notifications and app icons even when the device is folded away. This would make the iPhone Flip display similar to what's already available on many Apple MacBook models.

Like the Galaxy Z Flip, the device may feature an external cover display as well as the folding screen to show notifications on the lock screen.

Foldable iPhone Software and Operation

When it comes to features, rumours about the iPhone Flip are a little sparse compared to its design.

However, several reports do suggest that it could offer a high-end M1 chip that's used in the iPad Air and Pro devices, as opposed to the A-series processors typically found in iPhones, for a faster and more efficient performance.

The iPhone Flip will use the latest iOS software, which should feature some of the improvements made in the iOS 18 update. This includes the Locked and Hidden apps folder, Apple Intelligence, the new Journal mental health app, and the upgraded Messages app. 

However, it's also hoped that this software will be adapted especially to help iPhone users make the most of the folding mechanism.

For instance, with the current iOS operating system, it can be difficult to use multiple apps simultaneously, or run them side-by-side like on an iPad or Android smartphone. To help the foldable iPhone reach its full potential, Apple will therefore need to improve its multi-tasking abilities.

When Could the Folding iPhone Be Released?

With no official announcements from Apple, the brand's contribution to the foldable phone market isn't likely to launch in 2024.

However, there have been several rumours of a different foldable device, such as a computer or foldable iPad, being announced towards the end of 2025, with the iPhone Flip expected to come much later in 2027.

There are also no early indications of pricing; with the Galaxy Z Flip costing over $1,700 and the Fold upwards of $2,700, the final price ultimately depends on the design. A small foldable iPhone could be priced similarly to the 16 Pro Max, while a larger device that folds out into a tablet could exceed $2,000.

Whether the foldable iPhone will actually be mass-produced and launched within the next few years remains to be seen. However, like all of Apple's devices, the announcement of the foldable iPhone will set a huge precedent for the future of folding phones, following in the footsteps of their adoption of the notch, abandonment of bezels, and transition to wireless headphones.

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