Apple’s first iPhone folding machine has been rumored for several years. In the past, there were only analyst predictions, supply chain news or concept renderings. However, starting in 2026, more and more rumors indicate that it is close to mass production. Following the appearance of prototype photos of the iPhone folding machine in April, even the protective case has appeared recently. According to foreign media, a protective case for the iPhone folding machine has appeared on the official website of accessories dealer iFunSmart. The appearance design is consistent with the previously leaked model machine.
Although the protective case cannot be regarded as certain to be launched, accessories dealers often sneak it out before the iPhone is released, so it is of great reference value.
The first iPhone Ultra protective case is exposed, the appearance of the iPhone folding machine is almost finalized? Dual cameras, side Touch ID, price may exceed $2,000
According to foreign media MacRumors According to reports, French media discovered that on the official website of iFunSmart, there is already a protective case for the iPhone folding machine. The name seems to have not been finalized yet. It may be called iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold:
Judging from the pictures, the folding iPhone will use a relatively low-profile horizontal camera platform and only have two lenses. This is consistent with previous rumors. Apple may abandon the telephoto lens and change it to a dual 48-megapixel rear lens configuration for the sake of body thickness, internal space and folding structure:
The protective case is not a one-piece case like the ordinary iPhone, but is divided into multiple buckle-type blocks. This is very reasonable for folding mobile phones. After all, there is a hinge in the middle of the phone, and the case cannot be directly wrapped to the bottom. For foldable mobile phones, the design of a protective case is more troublesome than that of ordinary mobile phones, because it not only has to protect the back panel and camera, but also avoids the hinges, outer screen, inner screen and different opening and closing angles:
The protective case has a MagSafe-style ring. It is recommended not to think that the iPhone foldable phone definitely supports MagSafe. MacRumors mentioned that there have been previous rumors that this feature may not be supported. The N52 magnet may only be embedded in the protective case and used to connect external MagSafe accessories, such as wireless chargers and car mounts. This does not necessarily mean that there is a corresponding magnet array inside the phone.
You can also see the opening for the Camera Control button, but there is no Action Button. This is quite strange, because the Action Button is the main feature of recent generations of Pro models. The iPhone folding machine is more expensive, so it should not be without this button:
However, the internal space of a foldable phone is smaller. Every button, every set of cables, every magnet and lens module will take up space. In particular, it is rumored that the thickness may be only about 4.5mm. If Apple abandons it for this reason, it is understandable.
As for the current rumored specifications of the foldable iPhone, it may be equipped with an outer screen of about 5.5 inches and an inner screen of about 7.8 inches. In terms of body thickness, it is about 4.5mm when unfolded and about 9~9.5mm when folded. If this number finally comes true, it will even be thinner than the current 13-inch iPad Pro’s 5.1mm when unfolded.
In terms of hardware, it includes an A20 Pro chip, 12GB of memory, dual 48-megapixel rear lenses, and side Touch ID. It is worth noting that because the body is too thin, this folding iPhone may not be equipped with Face ID, but will return to a design similar to the iPad Air with a power button integrated with Touch ID.
The price is currently rumored to be around US$2,000, and some analysts even believe that the high-capacity version may be higher, which means this will be the most expensive iPhone version.
Source: KOCPC Chinese