A leak about a foldable iPhone suggests an impressive device that makes the wait worthwhile.

      Apple's lack of presence in the foldable phone market has been notably evident, if not concerning. Companies like Samsung are now in their seventh year of promoting foldable devices, while nearly all major Chinese brands have also made significant strides in this area.

      If you can wait until 2027, the anticipation for a foldable iPhone might prove worthwhile. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared some captivating details regarding Apple's plans for a foldable iPhone. This device is expected to begin mass production by late 2026 and is anticipated to be quite impressive.

      According to Kuo, Apple plans to utilize a premium titanium alloy for its first foldable smartphone. The device is estimated to have a thickness of around 4.5-4.8mm when unfolded, while in its folded state, its profile is likely to be about 9-9.5mm.

      If this holds true, the foldable iPhone could compete with sleek models like the Oppo Find N5, Honor Magic V3, and the anticipated Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The internal foldable display is rumored to measure 7.8 inches, and the external cover display is expected to feature a 5.5-inch screen.

      Kuo suggests that the standout aspect of the device might be its crease-less foldable screen. To date, no smartphone manufacturer has completely eliminated the vertical crease, although recent models like the Oppo Find N5 have successfully minimized it.

      The Apple foldable phone, following a book-style design, is expected to use the same high-density battery found in the rumored iPhone 17 Air, which is set to release later this year and features a highly-anticipated ultra-thin design.

      However, it's important to temper expectations. Kuo indicates that the camera setup on Apple's foldable may be somewhat underwhelming, consisting of just two rear cameras. This might be due to space limitations and challenges associated with incorporating a large multi-lens camera module into a slim design.

      This cautious approach doesn’t seem to deter brands like Oppo, Vivo, and Honor, which have successfully integrated triple-lens camera systems with sizable sensors in their foldable devices. Apple appears to be taking a more conservative route with its initial foldable model, which aligns with the company’s history.

      For similar reasons, Apple is rumored to be omitting the Face ID technology, instead opting to incorporate a Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the power button. Many flagship smartphones have adopted a similar method, integrating the fingerprint sensor within the side button.

      Nonetheless, it’s essential to note that this is a preliminary forecast. Kuo mentions that the specifications have not been finalized within Apple just yet. Work on this phone is expected to ramp up in the third quarter of 2025, with mass production starting in the fourth quarter of 2026.

      The analyst predicts that Apple’s first foldable smartphone could launch in late 2027. Regarding pricing, Kuo estimates the phone will be around $2,000-2,500, suggesting that there will still be considerable demand for the product.