Apple's foldable iPhone arriving next year with four cameras and Touch ID

Excitement is building as Apple gears up to unveil its new iPhone 17 series, with an anticipated announcement from its headquarters in California next month. However, the spotlight is also shifting towards the highly anticipated foldable iPhone, which is rumored to be making its debut next year. According to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this innovative device, internally codenamed V68, is designed to mirror the sleek aesthetics of Samsung's Z Fold series, transforming into a compact tablet-like form. This foldable iPhone is expected to feature a total of four cameras: one positioned on the front, another on the inside, and two located on the rear. In a notable design shift, it appears that the device will forgo a traditional SIM card slot and instead integrate Touch ID, a move that may be perceived as a step back compared to Apple’s current offerings that utilize Face ID. Reports indicate that Apple’s suppliers are already in the early stages of production for this groundbreaking model, aiming for a release in the fall of 2024. This timeline suggests that the foldable iPhone could coincide with the launch of the iPhone 18 series. Previous leaks have hinted at a simultaneous release with models such as the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and Pro Max, while the standard iPhone 18 might be postponed until 2027. Currently, testing of the foldable iPhone is being conducted in basic black and white color schemes, hinting at limited color availability at launch. Nonetheless, Gurman notes that Apple’s plans may evolve as the release approaches. Additionally, the device is set to feature Apple's proprietary C2 modem, moving away from Qualcomm’s cellular technology. In terms of display innovations, Apple is reportedly shifting strategies. While initial plans involved a different technology that could create noticeable air gaps and accentuate the device's crease, the company is now pivoting to an in-cell touchscreen design similar to that of current iPhones. This change is expected to minimize the visibility of the crease while enhancing touch responsiveness on the foldable iPhone. Stay tuned for updates on the iPhone 17, including pricing, features, and launch specifics for the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and Air models.