For years, Apple has experienced the unsettling reality of its innovations being prematurely unveiled. This time, however, the revelations resonate more profoundly.
On Christmas Eve, YouTuber Jon Prosser disseminated a video purporting to showcase Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone.
This device, still yet to be officially acknowledged by Apple, is presented in intricate 3D visuals. According to Prosser, a launch is slated for the fall of 2026, coinciding with the anticipated iPhone 18 Pro series.
The timing of this disclosure is significant. Earlier this year, Apple initiated legal proceedings against Prosser regarding leaked details about iOS 26, escalating an ongoing contentious relationship.
Rather than divulging software specifications, he unveiled hardware that Apple has yet to confirm.
If schooled in accuracy, this leak signifies the most radical redesign of the iPhone in over a decade.
Prosser’s visualizations depict a book-style foldable phone, appearing wider than tall when in its folded configuration. When closed, it mimics a thick iPhone; however, when unfurled, it transforms into a tablet-like interface.
The external display boasts a 5.5-inch measurement.
At its apex, a hole-punch camera is present. Inside, a capacious 7.8-inch folding display dominates the space, complemented by another hole-punch camera nestled in the upper corner.
The rear showcases a minimalist aesthetic, featuring two cameras arranged along an elongated shelf. A separated LED flash persists, echoing Apple’s recent design philosophies.
According to Prosser, when closed, the device measures approximately 9mm thick, with each half around 4.5mm. This would indeed render it slimmer than Apple’s existing iPhone Air.
These specifications align with various previous supply-chain reports, though they also contradict others. Apple has yet to officially validate any of these dimensions.
The Crease Conundrum
All foldable smartphones share an inherent flaw: the persistent crease.
Samsung has made strides in reducing it, while Google has refined the concept. Yet, none have removed it entirely.
Prosser asserts that Apple has achieved what its competitors could not, claiming the internal display exhibits no visible crease.
He attributes this to a metallic substrate beneath the screen that allegedly distributes bending stress uniformly. A liquid-metal hinge purportedly reinforces the structure.
While this assertion carries some credibility, skepticism lingers. OLED panels typically exhibit deformation with repeated folding, and the laws of physics are not easily manipulated.
The rendered visuals depict an immaculate screen; however, such representations do not guarantee successful manufacturing. The ultimate verdict will depend on production realities.
Prosser estimates the price of the foldable iPhone to range between $2,000 and $2,500, positioning it among the most exorbitant smartphones to ever hit the market.
Apple reportedly intends to offer limited color selections, confined to black and white, indicating a preference for uniformity over extensive customization.
The Reintroduction of the Power Button
This device is rumored to abandon Face ID functionalities.
Instead, Touch ID is set to reemerge, integrated into the power button—suggesting a possible prioritization of reliability over facial recognition technology in a folding design.
Internally, reports suggest the incorporation of Apple’s second-generation C2 modem, supported by high-density batteries essential for maintaining a slender profile.
A streamlined display driver purportedly maximizes internal space.
Nevertheless, the road to success remains uncertain.
Foldable devices have yet to achieve widespread acceptance; durability issues and cost constraints hinder broader adoption.
Apple has recently discovered that engineering prowess does not inherently guarantee commercial success.
While the iPhone Air garnered critical acclaim, it floundered in market performance as consumers leaned towards battery longevity and camera prowess over slimness.
A foldable iPhone is poised to capture significant attention and dominate headlines; however, only sales figures can validate its success.
In the interim, Apple grapples with a familiar predicament—its future continues to leak before any official introduction.
Source link: Interestingengineering.com.
