Apple is preparing to take a leap that many analysts consider the most profound change in iPhone historyAfter years of relatively continuous iterations, the first foldable iPhone It aims to mark a turning point in the range, positioning itself above milestones such as the iPhone 4, iPhone 6 or iPhone X in terms of redesign and ambition.
The key to this move would not only be in folding the screen, but in to debut a completely new format within the iOS ecosystemDesigned to consume content, work with multiple apps simultaneously, and compete directly with foldable phones already sold in Europe, with special attention to markets like Spain, where high-end mobiles and devices from Samsung, Honor, or Huawei have long been leading the way.
Why this foldable phone could surpass the iPhone's biggest milestones
The prestigious journalist Mark Gurman, from BloombergHe has been closely following the company's movements for some time and maintains that The foldable iPhone will be "the most significant upgrade in iPhone history"His comments are not insignificant: he is often critical when he believes that Apple merely refines products without major plot twists.
To understand the scope of what is being prepared, Gurman compares this project with other key generations: The iPhone 4 introduced the Retina display and the leap to glass and aluminum.Anticipating the design language that would define the next decade, the iPhone 6 accelerated the shift towards larger phones; and the iPhone X eliminated the home button, opted for a screen almost to the edges, and debuted Face ID along with gesture navigation. And there are rumors about its design and price..
Now, the idea is to go a step further with a device that not only changes the aesthetics, but How to use iOS on a daily basisAccording to leaks, Apple's foldable device would be on par with, or even surpass, those major leaps forward by combining hardware, software, and a format that breaks with the classic bar design that has accompanied the iPhone since 2007.
Gurman has gone so far as to describe this release as a “completely new” designThis message contrasts with the perception of a certain monotony in recent generations. The goal would be that, just as with the iPhone X, there is no doubt that we are facing a turning point and not simply an evolution of the previous model.
Book-like design and user experience halfway between iPhone and iPad
Most of the leaks agree that Apple will opt for a book-style foldable phoneSimilar in concept to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold already sold in Spain and the rest of Europe. When closed, it would function as a "normal" smartphone; when open, it would offer a large internal screen that approaches the experience of a compact tablet.
The focus would clearly be on leisure and productivity: a large indoor screen for watching series, movies, playing games or working with several apps at the same timeThis proposal makes particular sense in a context where many users use their mobile phone as their main device for consuming content, even more so than their computer.
To complement this format, it is expected that iOS 27 incorporates advanced multitasking featureswith a side-by-side window and application management system closer to what iPadOS currently offers. This would allow, for example, having a document open on one side, a video call on the other, and simultaneously controlling music or notifications without having to constantly switch between them.
This system update will lead Apple to rethink key aspects of the interface, something that doesn't happen every year. If the predictions are correct, European users will find an iPhone that behaves like a hybrid between a mobile phone and a tablet.This could change usage habits in areas such as teleworking, mobile gaming, or intensive social media use.
Another relevant detail is the brand's intention to minimize the crease mark on the screenAlthough sources agree that it won't disappear completely, Apple is reportedly working with custom panels to make the crease as inconspicuous and unobtrusive as possible, an aspect that a large part of the public continues to be demanding when evaluating a foldable phone.
Screens, cameras and security: the specifications being considered
On the technical side, the most repeated rumors point to an internal screen of around 7,7 inches and an external screen of around 5,3 inchesThese dimensions would place the foldable iPhone in the same league as the large book-type foldables already present in the European market, although with a possible adjustment of the format to keep it manageable on a daily basis.
In photography, the most consistent leaks speak of a dual rear camera system accompanied by a front camera for selfies and video calls. It's a somewhat more conservative approach than other competitors with three or more sensors, but Apple usually prioritizes image quality and software processing over a large number of lenses.
One of the most striking changes has to do with biometrics. Various sources indicate that this model It wouldn't use Face ID, but rather a side button with integrated Touch ID.This decision could be related to the technical difficulties of integrating the complete facial recognition system into a foldable format without sacrificing bezels or thickness.
In parallel, the possible presence of multiple front cameras in certain prototypesAlthough there is no consensus on this point, what does seem clear is that Apple will seek to offer a fast and reliable unlocking and authentication experience, something essential for mobile payments, access to banking, and professional use in markets like Spain, where phones are used extensively for work and financial transactions.
As for the heart of the device, there has been speculation about the arrival of a new high-end chip from the A family, aligned with the numbering system corresponding to the launch year. As usual, the power boost would benefit both gaming and AI functions, and in this specific case, it would also be used to smoothly handle the intensive use of the large foldable screen and multitasking.
Expected schedule, price and fit into the European market
The most widespread forecasts place the Presentation of the foldable iPhone alongside the new "classic" generation of iPhone September is the usual month for major announcements from the brand. However, several analysts suggest that manufacturing lead times and software adjustments could delay its commercial release by a few weeks or even a couple of months compared to the traditional Pro models.
This pattern is reminiscent of what happened with the iPhone X, which was shown to the public in the fall but arrived in stores somewhat later. In the case of the foldable phone, It is possible that it will eventually arrive on the market in the final stretch of the year.This is a factor to consider for those in Spain or other European countries who are thinking about renewing their mobile phone during this period.
If one thing seems almost certain, it's that it won't be a cheap device. The most frequent estimates place the starting price at... around $2.000 or even morewhich in Europe could translate, with taxes and currency changes, into a figure clearly higher than that of the current Pro Max models.
At these price levels, everything points to Apple aiming to a very specific audience: technology enthusiasts, professionals who make the most of multitasking and users who want to be among the first to try the brand's new format, rather than the average buyer who is simply looking to upgrade their usual smartphone.
The arrival of this model will also occur in a context where foldable cars from other brands have already gained some traction in Europe; for example, models such as vivo X Fold 5 They've been setting trends for some time. In countries like Spain, where high-end and premium devices have a significant presence, this iPhone could become an aspirational benchmark, but it will also force Apple to clearly justify why its offering is worthwhile compared to options that have been on the market longer and, in some cases, have somewhat more affordable prices.
Meanwhile, some voices in the industry point out that The company is also working on other major design innovations. for future models, such as a foldable ipad Anniversary editions will feature a truly "all-screen" display and sensors hidden beneath the panel, although these proposals are being considered as separate projects. Barring any unexpected turn of events, the immediate spotlight will be on the first foldable iPhone.
With all this in mind, the general feeling among analysts and fans is that Apple is preparing to to experience one of its most significant years from the iPhone's point of viewIf the foldable phone lives up to the rumors, it will not only be the most expensive model, but also the one that sets the course for the range in the coming years, especially in key European markets where the iPhone remains one of the benchmark phones.
