In a research note to clients — as noted by AppleInsider — analyst Jeff Pu claims that a foldable iPhone and foldable iPad will arrive in 2026.
He says both devices will be entering mass production in the fourth quarter of 2026. This could result in a release of the devices before the end of that year. An “iPhone Fold” has been rumored for some time. It will purportedly have a foldable screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio on the inner display, according to Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station
This lines up with an X post from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that said Apple will use liquid metal hinges in the upcoming foldable iPhone. Presumably, such tech will also be used in the rumored foldable iPads and Macs.
From Kuo’s post: Apple is focused on improving durability, enhancing screen flatness, and minimizing crease marks in its foldable iPhone design. To achieve these goals, key components like the hinges will be crafted from liquid metal using a die-casting process. As the exclusive supplier of liquid metal, EonTec is expected to be the primary beneficiary of this shift.
Apple has been using liquid metal for small components for years (such as SIM ejector pins), but the foldable iPhone will mark its first major use of the material in a critical mechanical part. By the end of 2024, EonTec has shipped over 10 million central shafts, key hinge components made from liquid metal. As Android smartphone brands gear up to compete with the upcoming foldable iPhone, they are expected to increasingly adopt liquid metal for their hinges, driving rapid growth in the liquid metal market.
Here are what Kuo expects to see as the hardware specs in an “iPhone Fold”:
° Touch ID returns as a side button, as Face ID may be absent due to thickness and internal space constraints.
° The foldable iPhone will have a book-style design, featuring an approximately 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and an approximately 5.5-inch outer display.
° The rear camera features a dual-lens setup, with one front-facing camera available in both folded and unfolded states.
° It will measure 9–9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded.
° The hinge will combine stainless steel and titanium alloy, while the casing opts for titanium alloy.
° It will use the same high-density battery cells as the ultra-thin iPhone 17.
As for an ‘iPad Fold,” it will feature an under-display Face ID claims Digital Chat Station. The rumor claims that one of Apple’s engineering prototypes features an 18.8-inch foldable screen with a “metal superstructure lens” that integrates the receiver and transmitter components of Face ID for under-display facial recognition.
There have been rumors for several yers about a foldable iPad. For example, in March, Pu predicted such a device will have a 20.3-inch screen when unfolded.
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