Foldable iPhone rumors and leaks: everything we know so far

APPLE is rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone, meaning the Silicon Valley giant could finally compete with Samsung.

However, we won't see the device in the 2024 or 2025 lineup, according to The Information, which cited a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

Tech companies are incredibly tight-lipped when it comes to their new products.

But here's everything we know so far about Apple's first foldable iPhone.

Mate

The device is expected to be in proportion to the Galaxy Z Flip 5 or Motorola Razr Plus, according to reports.

It mirrors the Galaxy Z Flip 5 with its palm-shaped, clamshell shape, allowing it to fit in a pocket when folded.

Apple is reportedly eyeing a design that folds the screen outward so that the display is on the outside.

However, the company's engineers are said to have “struggled” with this particular design, as it breaks easily.

Price

Apple's products are usually quite elevated.

But to navigate an easily breakable design while staying true to smartphone sustainability promises, Apple will have to use high-quality, long-lasting parts.

This obviously means that the product will be very pricey – and probably more expensive than its previous iPhones.

Apple's latest and most expensive device, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, starts at $1,199 / £1,199.

Samsung's popular Galaxy Z Fold 5 starts at an even higher price.

Although, as Tech Radar notes, if Apple decides to sell its iPhone at a 50 percent premium over the current iPhone 15 Pro, it would still be cheaper than Samsung's most expensive foldable phone.

The bottom line: foldable phones are expensive.

Date of publication

For an all-new iPhone concept, the release date could be closer than expected.

According to reports, a foldable iPhone could hit shelves as early as 2026.

However, the company is believed to be closer to launching a foldable iPad mini, which could test the waters for its foldable iPhone range.

Apple typically hosts three or four events each year to unveil new products.

Generally there is a spring event around March or April, the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, a September event focused on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and sometimes an October event usually involving Macs and iPads.

Normally, Apple leans towards the second Tuesday in September for its annual iPhone release dates – which could be accompanied by a foldable issue in a few years.

Is Apple bending under pressure?

Analysis by Millie Turner, Technology & Science Reporter at The Sun.

Even for die-hard iPhone fans, recent versions of the Samsung Flip and Fold smartphones had turned heads.

It was the first Android device that looked like it had the potential to take iOS enthusiasts to the 'dark side' – according to iPhone owners themselves.

The nostalgic, pocket-sized Samsung Galaxy Flip appealed to iPhone users in a way that Android devices simply didn't before.

Not to mention Samsung's stylish, star-studded marketing campaign.

Social media was flooded with iOS users exuding the Flip's chic '90s vibe – and the notebook element the Fold boasted.

If the rumors are true, and Apple is really investing in bringing its own foldable tablet to market, then it's clear the company has buckled under pressure and is trying to fend off the pull of its Korean rival.