Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Said to Offer Durable, Pocket-Friendly Design Without Telephoto Camera or Face ID

Apple’s first foldable iPhone could revive some of the excitement surrounding the company’s major product launches, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The device is expected to debut at an event around September 9, with Gurman describing it as Apple’s most exciting new product in years.

Over the past decade, Apple has launched several notable products, including AirPods, the redesigned iPad Pro, Apple Watch Ultra, and Vision Pro. However, Gurman believes the company’s pace of introducing major new products has slowed compared with the years following the launch of the original iPhone.

What Users Think of Apple’s Foldable iPhone

Gurman has previously highlighted the advantages of foldable smartphones after using Samsung’s first foldable device in 2019. The form factor combines the convenience of a traditional smartphone with a larger screen suited for watching videos, gaming, video calls, and productivity.

According to reports, people who have used Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone have responded positively to several aspects:

• Compact, pocket-friendly design
• Solid feel and durability of the hinge
• iPad-style app layouts on the larger inner display
• Larger internal screen that can serve as a camera viewfinder

How It Compares With Existing Foldables

Apple is entering the foldable smartphone market several years after companies such as Samsung, Huawei, and Google established their presence in the category. Samsung has already launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8, while competing devices continue to expand in terms of screen size and functionality.

Apple’s arrival could help make foldable smartphones more mainstream and encourage more consumers to explore the form factor. Android users who prefer foldables without moving to Apple’s ecosystem could continue to consider Samsung and Google. Both companies also offer larger-screen foldable models, including the Z Fold 8 Ultra and Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to differ from the company’s current high-end models in two key areas:

• Camera: The device is reportedly not expected to feature a telephoto camera, meaning it may offer less powerful optical zoom than Apple’s premium iPhone models.
• Authentication: Instead of Face ID, the foldable iPhone is expected to use Touch ID.

The device is reportedly expected to cost more than $2,000, making the absence of a telephoto camera particularly noteworthy at such a premium price.

Why China Could Be a Key Market

China could play an important role in the success of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Foldable smartphones represented around 1.6% of global smartphone shipments in 2025, while China accounted for more than half of worldwide foldable shipments, with sales exceeding 10 million units.

Apple has been seeking products that can generate stronger interest in China, where local manufacturers, particularly Huawei, have been aggressive in introducing innovative designs and form factors. According to Gurman, many Chinese consumers are attracted to distinctive hardware features and the prestige associated with premium devices.

More information about Apple’s first foldable iPhone is likely to emerge as the expected September launch approaches.

Source