Apple’s first foldable iPhone keeps generating leaks, and the latest ones are among the most specific yet. According to a known leaker with a strong track record on Ubisoft and Apple products, the foldable iPhone will be eSIM only and will include a Camera Control button — despite the device being at least 1.1mm thinner than the iPhone 18 Pro.
These two details matter more than they might appear at first glance. Here is a full breakdown of what we know so far about the foldable iPhone, including the latest leaks, the expected launch window, and what the design compromises reveal about Apple’s priorities.
The Foldable iPhone Is eSIM Only
Dropping the physical SIM card tray is a significant engineering decision that points to just how hard Apple has had to work to fit this device together. With a hinge, two displays, and all the standard iPhone internals — all within an extremely thin profile — every millimetre of internal space is a trade-off.
Apple moved to eSIM-only in the iPhone 14 in the United States and has been pushing toward this globally ever since. Extending that approach to the foldable iPhone is not surprising, but it does mean that anyone in a region without strong eSIM carrier support may face compatibility limitations at launch.
Camera Control Is Included Despite the Thinness
This is the more surprising detail. Leaker “Instant Digital” reported that Apple made deliberate engineering compromises to include the Camera Control button on the foldable iPhone, even though the device is at least 1.1mm thinner than the iPhone 18 Pro.
Camera Control — introduced on the iPhone 16 lineup — is a capacitive side button that allows users to control the camera with gestures and taps. It requires specific hardware under the device’s frame, which takes up space. Getting it into a device thinner than the iPhone 18 Pro is no small feat.
That Apple was willing to make compromises elsewhere to keep Camera Control suggests the company sees it as a flagship-tier feature that defines the premium iPhone experience — not an optional extra.
What We Know About the Design
The foldable iPhone uses a book-style folding design, opening horizontally like a book rather than flipping vertically like a clamshell. When unfolded, the inner screen is approximately the size of an iPad mini with a 4:3 aspect ratio — a form factor that is unique among current foldables on the market.
There is also a smaller outer screen for use when the device is closed, along with a rear camera system. The frame is expected to be constructed from titanium and aluminium — titanium for the stress-bearing hinge elements, and aluminium for heat dissipation and weight management.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has described it as “the most significant overhaul in the iPhone’s history,” placing it above the iPhone 4, iPhone 6, and iPhone X in terms of design impact. That is a high bar, and it underlines just how different this device is from any iPhone that has come before it.
When Will the Foldable iPhone Launch?
Apple has been conducting trial production at Foxconn, with mass production targeted for July 2026 if no issues emerge during testing. The device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026 — although some reports suggest it could arrive slightly later, potentially in October or November.
One analyst from Nikkei previously reported that engineering delays could push the launch to 2027, but Bloomberg’s Gurman pushed back on that, saying the device remains on track to launch “around the same time” or “soon after” the iPhone 18 Pro.
At a rumoured starting price of over $2,000, it will be the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold.
Will It Be Called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra?
Apple has not confirmed a name, and leakers are divided. While the device has been widely referred to as the “iPhone Fold” in rumours, a separate leaker recently suggested Apple could brand it “iPhone Ultra” — following a naming pattern used by the Apple Watch Ultra.
Using the Ultra name would give the device a distinctive identity separate from the numbered iPhone series and could signal Apple’s intent to position it as a permanent, premium product tier rather than a one-off experiment.
How Does This Fit With the Rest of Apple’s 2026 Lineup?
The foldable iPhone is arriving alongside what is shaping up to be one of the most significant Apple product years in recent memory. Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple CEO in September, with hardware chief John Ternus taking over — meaning the foldable iPhone will be one of the last major launches under Cook’s leadership.
At the same time, iOS 27 is expected to add support for rival AI assistants including Gemini and Claude, and WWDC 2026 is expected to bring a major redesign of Siri and new iOS features optimised for folding display hardware.
There are also questions about pricing in a challenging economic climate. Apple recently confirmed that its OLED MacBook Pro has been delayed to 2027 due to supply chain constraints, which shows the company is not immune to production pressures even on its most anticipated devices.
For a full picture of what Apple has coming in 2026, the iOS 27 compatibility list is also worth checking — not every current iPhone will make the cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the foldable iPhone have a SIM card tray?
No. The foldable iPhone is confirmed to be eSIM only, with no physical SIM card tray. This is consistent with Apple’s direction since the iPhone 14 in the US market.
Does the foldable iPhone have Camera Control?
Yes. Despite being at least 1.1mm thinner than the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple has reportedly made engineering compromises to include the Camera Control button on the foldable model.
When is the foldable iPhone coming out?
The current expectation is a launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026, though some reports suggest it could arrive as late as November 2026. Mass production is targeted to begin in July.
How much will the foldable iPhone cost?
Rumours suggest a starting price of over $2,000, making it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever released.
What will the foldable iPhone be called?
Apple has not confirmed a name. “iPhone Fold” is the most commonly used name in leaks, but a separate report suggested it could be called “iPhone Ultra.” Neither has been officially confirmed.
Conclusion
The foldable iPhone is shaping up to be the most technically ambitious device Apple has ever made. The confirmation of eSIM-only design and Camera Control inclusion gives us a clearer picture of the engineering trade-offs Apple made to bring this to market — and suggests the company is not cutting corners on features to achieve the slim profile.
With trial production underway and a September launch still on track, the wait is entering its final stretch. Keep an eye on WWDC 2026 in June for the first official iOS software hints designed for the folding display.
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