Highlights
- The iPhone 18 Fold will feature a hybrid titanium-aluminium frame for durability and a lightweight design.
- A report suggests a possible titanium casing and stainless steel-titanium hinge mechanism.
- It’s tipped to include a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner foldable display, potentially replacing Face ID with Touch ID, and running on a foldable-optimised iOS 27.
Apple’s long-rumoured iPhone 18 Fold is shaping up to be one of the company’s most ambitious products yet. A new investor note from analyst Jeff Pu offers fresh details about the device’s construction. Pu suggests that Apple will use a mix of titanium and aluminium for the foldable iPhone’s frame.
Upcoming iPhone Fold New Update
According to Pu’s report (via 9to5Mac), the iPhone 18 Fold will feature a hybrid metal frame made from both titanium and aluminium, a design choice likely intended to balance durability with weight. While Pu didn’t share further design specifics, previous leaks from Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the foldable iPhone’s hinge mechanism would combine stainless steel and titanium, while the main casing would be made entirely of titanium.
Earlier this year, Bloomberg described the device as looking like “two titanium iPhone Airs side-by-side,” hinting at a slim and premium design approach.
Currently, Apple uses titanium only in the iPhone Air lineup. Earlier iPhone Pro models also featured titanium, but Apple switched those to aluminium this year to enhance thermal performance and manage heat more efficiently.
iPhone Fold – What Else We Know?
As for the display, reports indicate that the iPhone 18 Fold will come with a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner display. This setup makes the outer display similar in size to the iPhone mini, while the inner foldable screen is close to the iPad mini in dimensions.
Kuo’s report further notes that the device might skip Face ID in favour of Touch ID for biometric authentication.
On the software side, Apple is expected to make significant changes with iOS 27, which will reportedly be optimised for the foldable form factor. According to Bloomberg, iOS 27 will introduce new features tailored for foldable devices, ensuring a smooth experience when switching between display modes.
Pu’s investor note also mentions that demand for the iPhone 17 lineup has been stronger than Apple initially anticipated. It is a positive sign for the company as it prepares for its next big leap in smartphone design with the iPhone 18 Fold.
FAQs
Q1. What materials will the iPhone 18 Fold use for its frame?
Answer. Apple is expected to use a hybrid of titanium and aluminium for the iPhone 18 Fold’s frame, aiming to balance durability with a lightweight design. Earlier leaks also suggest a titanium casing and a stainless steel-titanium hinge.
Q2. What are the expected display sizes for the iPhone 18 Fold?
Answer. The device is tipped to feature a 5.5-inch outer screen, similar to the iPhone mini, and a 7.8-inch inner foldable display, which is close in size to the iPad mini.
Q3. Will the iPhone 18 Fold support Face ID?
Answer. Reports indicate that Apple may skip Face ID on the iPhone 18 Fold, opting instead for Touch ID as the primary biometric authentication method.