iPhone Fold 'dummy model' LEAKS on X: Tipster posts photos of what he claims is Apple's first foldable smartphone - and fans are not impressed
A tipster has revealed what he claims is the dummy model of the iPhone Fold – Apple's first foldable smartphone. Sonny Dickson, a journalist and leaker from Melbourne, Australia, posted photos of the unit to X. 'Exclusive First Dummies of what the final size of the iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will look like,' he wrote. The images suggest the iPhone Fold will have a book–style design with a dual rear camera system. While the foldable is one of Apple's most eagerly anticipated devices, many fans are unimpresed at the alleged dummy units. Replying to Mr Dickson, one wrote: 'That fold is horrific, it's so tiny and will still cost $2300. Typical Apple.'Another added: 'Apple has lost its way.'And one vented: 'Omg the fold is so… ugly?' A tipster has revealed what he claims is the dummy model of the iPhone Fold – Apple's first foldable smartphone Sonny Dickson, a journalist and leaker from Melbourne , Australia, posted photos of the unit to X. 'Exclusive First Dummies of what the final size of the iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will look like,' he wroteThe foldable dummy unit features a wide, rectangular screen, although the exact dimensions remain unclear. 'The Fold is too wide, can't palm that easily in normal phone use, when u flip it out that's fine but ya,' one viewer replied. Another added: 'The folds size doesn't make sense to me I was hoping it would be more like a galaxy fold z.' Over on the back of the device, you can see a camera bump with two lenses, while there does not appear to be MagSafe charging – Apple's magnetic charging system. 'if the Fold is missing MagSafe this will be a big NO for me,' one X user replied, while another vented: 'NO MAGSAFE FOR IPHONE FOLD?????????'While further details remain unclear at this stage, several fans have already created renders of what they think the iPhone Fold will look like, based on the dummy. 'Form. Function. Fold,' one user replied alongside their suggested render. Although it has been rumoured for years, it now looks almost certain that Apple is planning to unveil the folding iPhone in September 2026. While further details remain unclear at this stage, several fans have already created renders of what they think the iPhone Fold will look like, based on the dummyIn his latest newsletter, Mark Gurman, Bloomberg's Apple analyst, explained: 'Apple Inc.'s first foldable phone is on track to arrive during the company's normal iPhone launch period later this year, people with knowledge of the matter said, rebutting concerns about major manufacturing snags.'The company is scheduled to introduce the foldable model in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans haven't been announced. 'Apple's phones typically hit store shelves the week after they're unveiled.'While rivals like Samsung and Google have had their own foldables for years, Apple aims to set itself apart with the 'crease', according to Jon Prosser, a YouTuber known for his Apple leaks.'One big drawback to foldables, regardless of how cool they may look and feel, is that from too many angles, you can see and feel a crease down the middle of the plastic display where the hinge is,' Mr Prosser explained. While this issue has plagued Samsung and Google for years, Apple has 'completely subverted' it, according to the leaker. He explained that the tech giant will do this by using a metal plate to disperse the pressure of bending the display, along with liquid metal in the hinge itself. The outside of the device will almost look like a standard iPhone measuring around 9mm thick, with a 5.5–inch display. 'Form. Function. Fold,' one user replied alongside their suggested render of the iPhone Fold iPhone Fold: Rumoured specs Style: Book–styleSize: 5.5–inch display when closed, 7.8–inch display when openedThickness: 9mm closed, 4.5mm openCameras: One on the outside, two rear–facing, and one on the insideColours: Black and whitePrice: $2,000–$2,500 'That's relatively thin considering when you unfold this thing you'll be greeted with a 7.8–inch iPad like display,' Mr Prosser said. 'You're looking at 4.5mm thin – it's kinda crazy.'Of course, one of the features users will be most interested in is the camera. According to the YouTuber, there will be a total of four cameras – one on the outside, two rear–facing, and one on the inside.Meanwhile, one of the most unusual rumoured features is the return of Touch ID, in place of Face ID. Mr Prosser explained: 'In terms of security, Touch ID will be making a return, right in the power button, which is also returning to the top of the phone.'While Apple delighted fans this year with orange and blue version of its Pro smartphones, it's expected to opt for more muted tones in the foldable. 'The only colours available will be black and white,' Mr Prosser said. Finally, the leaker gives an indication of the price – which he calls 'very, very expensive'. 'We're talking something in the ballpark of $2,000–$2,500,' he added. As ever, Apple is remaining tight–lipped on all iPhone Fold rumours. Speaking to the Daily Mail at Apple's London HQ in September following the launch of the iPhone 17 series, John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, politely declined to even discuss the subject. 'You probably know we never talk about anything in the future,' he said. 'We are so excited to talk about what we're going to be shipping to people tomorrow.'THE TRILLION DOLLAR RISE OF APPLE1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1, 1976, as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.The first product was the Apple I. 1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market. Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation's new Macintosh in California on February 6, 19841981: Jobs became chairman. 1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000. Steve Jobs, then-chief executive officer of Apple, with the iPhone2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.2007: Apple unveils the iPhone. 2010: The first iPad was unveiled.2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones - the 6 and 6 Plus. 2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services. 2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California, with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device. 2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner's face. Jobs at an Apple event at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers. 2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.2020: In March, Apple closes all its brick-and-mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus. 2021: In an online virtual event in April, CEO Tim Cook declares Apple's goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year, the iPhone 13 was announced. 2022: In September, the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash, as well as an improved camera system. 2023: Apple brings back its 'Home Pod' after the first generation was discontinued. The 'Home Pod' can be seen as an alternative to Amazon's Alexa or Google Home, as it is powered by voice commands. 2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once, with many delayed until the following year.
