Apple's Foldable iPhone: Leaks Detail Design, Architecture, and Battery Innovations
Reports from multiple sources, including leakers on Weibo, have detailed potential design elements, internal architecture, and battery specifications for Apple's anticipated first foldable iPhone. These leaks suggest significant departures from current iPhone designs, particularly in button placement and internal component organization, with a focus on maximizing battery capacity.
The device is widely expected to feature Touch ID as its primary biometric authentication and to launch concurrently with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
External Design: A Fresh Look
Information regarding the foldable iPhone's external design points to several key characteristics, indicating a departure from traditional iPhone layouts:
- Volume Buttons: Positioned on the top right edge of the device, a layout described as similar to the iPad mini.
- Power/Side Button: Located on the right edge, this button is anticipated to integrate Touch ID for biometric authentication.
- Camera Control Button: A dedicated button, possibly for camera functions, is also reported to be situated on the right edge.
- Left Side: The left side of the device is expected to be free of physical buttons.
- Front-Facing Camera: The device is rumored to feature a single punch-hole design for the front-facing camera, resulting in a compact cutout and a potentially smaller Dynamic Island compared to current iPhone models. This design aligns with reports suggesting the absence of Face ID.
- Displays: Previous reports have indicated a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch cover display.
Dual Rear Cameras and Unique Placement
Details regarding the camera configuration suggest two rear cameras, a microphone, and a flash. The arrangement is described as horizontal within a module.
The camera module's base or plateau is reportedly entirely black, designed to contrast with the body color of the device.
Regarding placement, one source indicates this camera module will be situated on the back left of the device, while another report suggests it will be on the right side.
Prioritizing Power: Maximized Battery Capacity
The internal design is rumored to prioritize space for the display and battery. The motherboard is expected to be located on the right side of the device, a placement reported to allow volume button cables to run directly upwards, contributing to maximized internal space.
The device is said to feature a stacked internal design described as efficient. The arrangement of internal components is reportedly a factor in freeing up the left side of the device for screen structure and battery components.
Multiple reports suggest the foldable iPhone will feature a battery exceeding 5,500 mAh, with some sources indicating tests in the 5,400–5,800 mAh range.
If accurate, this would represent the largest battery capacity ever used in an iPhone, surpassing the 5,088 mAh battery of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
This capacity would also exceed those found in some current foldable smartphones like the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold (5,015 mAh) and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (4,400 mAh). Analysts have also indicated the device may incorporate high-density cells to enhance battery life, with power efficiency and battery life identified as key company priorities.
Launch Timeline and Core Specifications
The first foldable iPhone is anticipated to launch concurrently with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Further specifications include:
- Processor: The device is rumored to incorporate the A20 chip.
- Modem: It is also expected to feature the "C2" modem.
- Color Options: White has been mentioned as a confirmed color option, with expectations for one additional color at launch.
Sources Behind the Leaks
Information for these reports primarily originates from Weibo leakers such as "Instant Digital," "Fixed Focus Digital," and "Digital Chat Station," as well as previous reports from "yeux1122" and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Instant Digital has previously provided reliable information regarding various Apple products.