Khaberni - Indications are increasing about Apple's impending entry into the foldable phone market, with new leaks unveiling the specifications of its anticipated iPhone Fold, along with its expected launch date, a step that could redraw the map of competition in this sector dominated by companies like Samsung and Google.
According to the site "Thomas Guide", based on an investment memo issued by analyst Jeff Pu and reported by 9to5Mac, the leaked specifications for the "iPhone Fold" are based on data from GF Securities, and include screen sizes, cameras, processors, and the expected launch date.
According to this information, Apple plans to launch its foldable phone in September 2026, coinciding with the unveiling of the iPhone 18 Pro series. The phone will feature a 7.8-inch internal display when opened, and a 5.3-inch external display when folded, alongside an A20 processor and 12GB of RAM.
The leaks suggest that the phone will have an 18-megapixel front camera whether folded or unfolded, while the rear cameras will each have a resolution of 48 megapixels. On the security technology front, it appears that Apple is abandoning Face ID in this phone, in favor of relying on Touch ID, marking a significant shift in its design philosophy.
As for the materials, the "iPhone Fold" is expected to be made from a mix of aluminum and titanium, equipped with an Apple C2 modem, a more advanced version of Apple's internal modems C1X and C1 used in the iPhone Air and iPhone 16e respectively. The information also indicates that the phone will operate with the same processor expected for the iPhone 18 series.
On the level of displays, the new leaks align with most previous rumors, particularly in terms of the main 7.8-inch screen, which has been discussed for a while. However, the external screen is 5.3 inches, smaller than other leaks that hinted at a screen close to 5.5 inches, raising questions about the ease of using the phone when folded.
Among the most notable revelations are the details of the camera system, as Jeff Pu clarified that the phone will include two 48-megapixel rear cameras, in addition to an 18-megapixel front camera, with a confirmation of the absence of Face ID in favor of Touch ID.
How does it compare to Samsung's foldable phone?
Apple's entry into the foldable phone market presents a real challenge, especially as companies like Samsung and Google have experience extending across several generations of this category, which has given them sufficient time to address many technical issues. However, technology sector analysts believe that Apple's entry could truly shake up this market.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 from "Samsung" is among the most anticipated competitors for the "iPhone Fold", with expectations that the Korean phone will retain an 8-inch primary screen, similar to that in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Despite the similarity in the size of the main screens between the two devices, concerns about the smaller external screen on the "iPhone Fold" stand out, as it could be narrower and harder to use compared to a traditional phone when folded.
In terms of cameras, Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to keep the same 200-megapixel main camera as in the previous generation, with indications, according to Galaxy Club, that the wide lens might be upgraded from 12 to 50 megapixels, along with the development of a zoom lens with triple optical zoom. If these expectations prove accurate, Samsung could offer a stronger camera package than iPhone Fold, at least theoretically, with an actual comparison awaited upon their availability.
The price
Price remains the most influential factor in determining the future of any foldable phone. Rumors suggest that the iPhone Fold could be priced at around $2400, a steep figure, but one that might not pose a significant barrier for Apple's audience, according to experts familiar with the company, given its widespread popularity and loyal user base.
On the other hand, clear leaks about the price of Galaxy Z Fold 8 have not yet emerged, though expectations suggest it will be higher than the $1999 price of Galaxy Z Fold 7, especially with the ongoing rise in memory component costs.
In the absence of official announcements, it remains difficult to definitively determine which phone will be the better choice for users, and until the situation becomes fully clear, leaks and reports continue to shape the anticipated competition between Apple and Samsung in the foldable phone market.
