Apple folds in touch and cameras for 2026 foldable

Bloomberg outlines a foldable iPhone coming in 2026 with a book like hinge, a four camera setup and Touch ID

Apple targets foldable iPhone with four cameras and Touch ID

Apple is laying the groundwork for a foldable iPhone that could arrive in 2026. The device would unfold to a larger inner display and uses a four camera system, with cameras on the front screen, inside and on the back. It would drop the SIM card slot and Face ID in favor of an in house modem and Touch ID to keep the folded form slim. Analysts say mass production could begin early next year for a fall 2026 launch.

Beyond the foldable, Apple is also preparing a high end iPhone Air to challenge Android flagships and a 2027 design overhaul that could bring curved glass edges to the iPhone. The broader plan targets a three year reinvention of the iPhone line while keeping the 2025 cycle relatively steady.

The move toward a foldable iPhone shows Apple pacing innovation to avoid a bulky closed profile. Returning Touch ID while removing the SIM card slot and Face ID is a deliberate compromise to keep the phone slim when closed, but it raises questions about security and user habit. Pricing will be a key test, as foldables tend to start high and depend on consumer appetite. If the price is too steep, demand could stall despite strong hardware ambitions. The timeline also signals that Apple is betting on 2026 and 2027 to redefine the iPhone, not this year.

Highlights

The foldable bet marks a shift in Apple strategy that may redefine the next decade of iPhone design.