The ‘iPhone Fold’ Is Real, but You Might Have to Wait Until 2027 to Get One
'iPhone Fold' Concept Image [Demon's Tech / YouTube]
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Well-known leaker Sonny Dickson has just shared images of the first dummy molds we’ve seen in the wild for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and much-rumored foldable iPhone. However, the new leak also comes amid reports that the highly anticipated “iPhone Fold” could miss its expected fall debut in the face of production and shipment delays.
New iPhone Dummy Model Images
Dickson’s images jibe with all the rumors we’ve heard so far about the three upcoming devices. iPhone dummy models aren’t officially created or sanctioned by Apple, but are instead fabricated by third parties, often from leaked design specs, to give accessory manufacturers a head start. These allow accessory companies to create properly fitting cases that can be on the market the same day a new iPhone model launches to the public, as Apple’s partners don’t typically get early access to the actual new iPhones any earlier than the rest of us.
For this reason, the dummies must be accurate, and while Apple eventually provides its Made for iPhone (MFi) partners with the physical specs of upcoming iPhone models, it’s also not uncommon for these dummy models to be made from leaked specs that slip out months ahead of Apple’s official publication of them.
Unsurprisingly, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models closely resemble their predecessors, with the only difference a smaller Dynamic Island being visible on the dummies. As you might expect, the foldable iPhone dummy shows a design different from any previous iPhone models, showing the widely rumored passport-style form factor alongside the refined, thinner-bezel designs of the Pro series.
A Major MagSafe Mystery
The foldable iPhone dummy appears to lack the unibody design of the iPhone 18 Pro models; specifically, there’s no apparent window for a glass insert to facilitate wireless charging. Although the handset’s rear suggests a possible all-glass back like the iPhone Air, the absence of the MagSafe ring cutout present on the other two dummy units casts doubt on the foldable’s wireless charging capabilities. While this ring isn’t visible on an actual iPhone, it’s a vital inclusion in dummy units so third-party accessory makers can validate that their cases align perfectly with the internal magnets.
The iPhone Fold (which some suggest could actually be dubbed the “iPhone Ultra”) is widely expected to boast a 5.5-inch outer display, and when unfolded will have a 7.8-inch display with an iPad-style 4:3 aspect ratio, with a reduced crease. The device’s 4.5 mm frame is said to be made of titanium, Touch ID will be used to authenticate users, and it is expected to carry a starting price of somewhere around $2,000.
Possible iPhone Fold Delays
While the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone were expected to be unveiled together in the fall, recent rumors indicate the new lineup could see a staggered release, with the iPhone Fold coming later, similar to how the iPhone X rollout was handled in 2017.
Nikkei Asia reports that Apple’s supply chain has been warned of potential mass production and shipment delays if current issues in manufacturing iPhone Fold components aren’t overcome.
“It’s true that more issues than expected have emerged during the early test production phase, and additional time will be needed to resolve them and make necessary adjustments. … The current situation could put the mass production timeline at risk,” a source told Nikkei Asia. “April will mark a crucial stage of the engineering verification test, and this month till early May is extremely critical.”
As noted in the report, Apple hopes to produce 7 million to 8 million foldable iPhones, which is less than 10% of Apple’s planned iPhone production volume for 2026.
The Nikkei report comes in the wake of a leak that trial production of the foldable iPhone had begun at Foxconn. However, the leaker didn’t specify when testing had begun.
While the iPhone Fold is still expected to be unveiled this September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, some have suggested that its actual availability could potentially be delayed into early 2027.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
