Foldable iPhone Could Debut Next Year Featuring Four Cameras, Touch ID, and Apple’s Own Modem

Apple’s first foldable iPhone could launch as early as next year, featuring a total of four cameras, the return of Touch ID for enhanced security, and a proprietary Apple modem, signaling major advancements in design and technology for the flagship device.

iPhone Air: A New Chapter Begins

As anticipation builds for the upcoming release of the iPhone 17, it turns out that Apple has much more in store. This September, a significant shift will take place with the introduction of the iPhone Air. Set to replace the Plus model, this sleek device aims directly at the competition, notably the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Its main strengths? An exceptionally thin profile and—perhaps more importantly—the adoption of Apple’s first proprietary modem, the C1, which previously made its debut with the iPhone 16e. For consumers seeking innovation alongside reliability, these developments signal a bold step forward.

The Foldable Future: Ambitious Plans for 2026

Looking beyond this year’s launches, sources such as journalist Mark Gurman indicate that Apple is preparing to enter the fiercely competitive market of foldable smartphones by 2026. Industry whispers suggest that the so-called iPhone Fold, or perhaps « Flip » as some speculate, will adopt a book-like horizontal folding mechanism. This design closely echoes strategies from brands like Samsung and Google, decisively moving away from the retro clamshell format championed by Motorola. Such a direction underlines an intent not just to follow trends but to shape them.

Pioneering Features and Strategic Omissions

When it comes to technology choices, some decisions might surprise loyal fans. Instead of retaining the classic SIM card slot, connectivity will be handled exclusively via a built-in modem engineered by Apple. Equally striking is the apparent return of Touch ID; designers reportedly favored this over Face ID due to spatial constraints—a device folding down to just 9–9.5 mm leaves little room for complex facial recognition sensors. For photography enthusiasts, though, there’s reason for optimism: four cameras are rumored—one front-facing, one inside, two on the rear—to ensure versatile performance whether open or closed.

For clarity on what sets this foldable apart from its peers:

A Glimpse Ahead: Pricing and Anniversary Overhaul

Of course, pricing remains an open question. Considering that current Android foldables range from €899 to nearly €2,000—and given Apple’s established premium pricing strategy—it seems unlikely their entry will come cheap. Early rumors mention only black and white colorways at launch. Manufacturing is expected to begin in early 2026 with retail availability following in autumn.

And looking even further ahead—2027 marks two decades since the original iPhone’s debut. To commemorate this milestone, a sweeping aesthetic redesign is anticipated: think curved edges and a striking new Liquid Glass interface with iOS 26. All told, these next three years could well reshape what we expect from an iPhone—again.