iPhone Fold Revealed: Display, Cameras, Touch ID, and 3-Year Reinvention

Apple's Future Plans: From iPhone Air to Foldable Innovations

Apple has always been known for its innovation and ability to redefine the smartphone market. While much of the attention is currently on the upcoming iPhone 17 event, there are several exciting developments in the pipeline that could reshape the future of the iPhone lineup. According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has a three-year roadmap that includes significant changes to its flagship devices.

The iPhone Air: A New Entry into the Market

The first major update in this roadmap is the iPhone Air, which is set to debut as a super-thin model designed to compete with high-end smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. This new device will replace the Plus-sized version of Apple’s flagship and feature the company’s first in-house modem chip, the C1 modem. This chip was introduced with the iPhone 16e and is expected to improve connectivity and performance.

The iPhone Air is not just about design; it also marks a shift in Apple’s approach to hardware. It will be the first iPhone to ditch the traditional SIM card slot, relying instead on Apple’s in-house modem for connectivity. This move is likely aimed at making the device thinner and more streamlined, aligning with the company’s ongoing focus on sleek design.

The Foldable iPhone: A Game-Changer in 2026

Perhaps the most anticipated development is Apple’s potential entry into the foldable phone market in 2026. Rumors suggest that the device could be called the iPhone Flip or iPhone Fold, and it is expected to open like a book to reveal a larger inner display. This design is similar to existing foldable phones such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

According to Gurman, the foldable iPhone will feature a four-camera setup, including one on the front screen, one on the inside, and two on the back. The rear cameras are expected to offer higher-resolution photos than the front-facing camera, while the second lens could serve either an ultra-wide or telephoto function. This configuration suggests that the device will function similarly to a standard iPhone, whether it is opened or closed.

Another notable change is the removal of Face ID in favor of Touch ID. This decision is likely due to the need to keep the foldable device slim when closed. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has estimated that the iPhone Flip (or Fold) will be between 9mm and 9.5mm thick when folded, and around 4.5mm to 4.8mm when open. These dimensions make it difficult to fit the TrueDepth camera system required for Face ID, making Touch ID a more practical choice.

Pricing and Market Positioning

While the foldable iPhone is expected to generate significant interest, its success will largely depend on pricing. Most Android foldables already come with a hefty price tag, starting at $1,099 for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and reaching up to $2,000 for premium models. Given Apple’s history of maintaining high prices, the iPhone Fold is unlikely to be any cheaper.

Gurman reports that the initial model will only be available in black or white, and suppliers are preparing for mass production to start early next year, with a planned launch in the fall of 2026. This indicates that Apple is serious about entering the foldable market and is investing heavily in its development.

Design Overhaul in 2027

In 2027, Apple plans to celebrate the iPhone’s 20th anniversary with a major design overhaul. According to Gurman, the company is moving away from the squared-off corners seen on iPhones since 2020 in favor of curved glass edges. This redesign is expected to complement the upcoming Liquid Glass interface, a key feature of iOS 26. This interface adds rounded edges to on-screen elements, creating a translucent, layered look that mimics the appearance of glass.

Looking Ahead

As Gurman notes, 2025 may not be a revolutionary year for the iPhone, but it will lay the foundation for major shifts in 2026 and 2027. With the introduction of the iPhone Air, the potential foldable iPhone, and a design overhaul in 2027, Apple is setting the stage for a period of significant innovation. For fans of the brand, these developments promise an exciting future filled with groundbreaking technology and design advancements.