Apple has reportedly explored both styles over the years, but the latest updates point toward a foldable iPhone that opens like a book, transforming from a standard iPhone size into something closer to an iPad mini. If this is true, it would mark a big shift in Apple’s product lineup, especially since it’s currently the only major smartphone maker without a foldable device on the market. Now, the latest leak suggests that it may get under-display with Face ID.

For years, there have been rumours about Apple working on a foldable iPhone. Those rumours now seem closer to reality, with multiple reports hinting at a possible launch in 2026. While nothing is official yet, leaks suggest Apple may be moving forward with a book-style foldable design—similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold—rather than a clamshell version like the Motorola Razr.

Face ID Under the Screen? 

The idea of embedding Face ID under the screen isn’t new, but doing it well has been tricky. Infrared light, which Face ID uses, doesn’t pass easily through most displays. Apple has been experimenting with different solutions, and a recent patent suggests they may have found a simpler workaround by removing some subpixels in a specific area of the screen.

This could be what enables Face ID to work from underneath the display without slowing things down or reducing accuracy. According to one leaker, this technology might make its debut in the foldable iPhone, specifically on the inner screen.

One of the more interesting rumours tied to the foldable iPhone is the possibility of Face ID being built directly into the display. This would mean no notch or visible sensor—just a seamless screen with facial recognition working in the background.

Foldable iPhone: What to expect

Leaks have also hinted at what the screens might look like. The inner screen—the one you’d see when the phone is unfolded—could be about 7.76 inches, with a resolution of 2713 x 1920 pixels. The outer screen, which you’d use when the phone is folded, might measure 5.49 inches with a 2088 x 1422 pixel resolution.

It’s believed the outer screen could have a more traditional punch-hole camera, while the inner display may experiment with under-screen technology—either for the camera, Face ID, or both. However, there are mixed signals about whether this tech is ready for a real product or still in the testing phase.

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