Apple iPhone Fold may get 3D printed hinge, will it be durable enough?

HIGHLIGHTS

Apple may use a new hinge design to make the fold smoother and more durable.

The phone is expected to have a large foldable display with strong performance and big battery.

It could launch in late 2026 with a premium price tag around Rs 2 lakh.

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its first foldable device in the global markets. While the company is yet to share any details, the leaks and rummours around the device are already surfacing online. According to the recent leaks by tipster Fixed Focus Digital, the device may use 3D-printed materials for its hinge to reduce crease visibility and improve durability. The screen is expected to feature a dual-layer glass setup, keeping the display panels separate from the hinge and lowering stress over time. Reports suggest a 7.8-inch flexible OLED main display and a smaller 5.5-inch cover screen for regular use. Here’s everything we know so far about the iPhone Fold.

iPhone Fold: Design (Leaked)

Tipster Fixed Focus Digital has recently shared a post on Weibo where it shared that the handset will likely sport 3D-printed materials for the hinge that could help reduce the visibility of the crease and enhance the folding mechanism’s durability. The post also suggests that the display may use a dual-layer glass design. This means the screen could sit between UTG and UFG panels to avoid direct contact with the hinge and reduce stress over time. These details show that Apple is working to improve foldable technology, with a focus on making the device stronger and the folding experience smoother.

iPhone Fold: Specs and features (Expected)

The smartphone is anticipated to launch with a 7.8-inch flexible OLED main display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. It is also expected to include a 5.5-inch OLED cover screen for standard phone use when the device is folded.

Under the hood, the device will likely be powered by the Cupertino-based tech giant’s upcoming A20 Pro chip, which is rumoured to be built on a 2nm process. It may also use Apple’s own C2 5G modem, which could reduce its reliance on Qualcomm.

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Rumours say the device could offer up to 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. Touch ID might also return, possibly built into the side power button to save space in the slim foldable design.

This handset might feature a 5,800mAh battery, the largest ever used in iPhones. Moreover, this smartphone would rely exclusively on eSIM for most markets, like the iPhone Air concept.

In terms of camera configurations, there should be two cameras, featuring a 48 MP main camera alongside a 48 MP ultra-wide lens. In addition, there could be a pair of punch-hole or under-display cameras featuring sensors of either 18 MP or 24 MP.

Also read: Oppo F33 Pro and Oppo F33 launch date leaked: Check expected specs and price

Apple iPhone Fold: Launch timeline and price (Expected)

The Apple iPhone Fold is expected to be released in fall 2026, along with the iPhone 18 series. Apple hasn’t officially confirmed this yet. Recent reports suggest it could cost around Rs 2,15,277, but the final price may change at launch depending on offers and deals.

Bhaskar Sharma

Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers.

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