Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone, expected to debut next year as the iPhone 18 Fold, is shaping up to be one of the company’s most ambitious devices yet. According to a new report from analyst Jeff Pu, the upcoming foldable will feature a hybrid frame made of titanium and aluminum, combining strength with lightweight durability. Pu’s latest investor note, shared via 9to5Mac, reveals that Apple will use titanium for structural rigidity and aluminum to enhance thermal performance and reduce overall weight.
This design approach aligns with earlier reports from Bloomberg, which described the iPhone 18 Fold as resembling “two titanium iPhone Airs side-by-side.” The foldable’s hinge mechanism is said to utilize stainless steel and titanium, while the casing will be primarily titanium, a material Apple currently uses in the iPhone Air. The company previously relied on titanium for its iPhone Pro lineup but switched to aluminum this year for better heat management.
In terms of display, the iPhone 18 Fold is rumored to feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner foldable display, positioning it between an iPhone mini and an iPad mini in size. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also suggested that Apple may forgo Face ID, opting instead for Touch ID as the main biometric authentication method.
The introduction of Apple’s foldable iPhone will also drive major software advancements. Reports indicate that iOS 27 will be optimized for foldable devices, offering new multitasking features and interface adjustments tailored to the flexible display. With growing excitement and strong iPhone 17 demand already reported, Apple’s iPhone 18 Fold could mark the start of a new era for the company’s smartphone lineup, blending innovation, portability, and design excellence in true Apple fashion.