For years, the concept of a foldable iPhone has felt a bit like Bigfoot – everyone claims to have seen signs of it, but actual evidence is scant. We’ve watched Samsung and Google work on their foldable devices from generation to generation while Apple waited, presumably waiting, for them to get the formula just right. Well, if the latest supply chain rumors are to be believed, that wait might finally be over, and Apple isn’t just planning on joining the party; They plan to crash it with the biggest battery we’ve ever seen in a foldable device.
According to a new leak from a tipster called “Fixed Focus Digital,” Apple’s first foldable device — let’s call it the “iPhone Fold” for now — is shaping up to be an endurance monster. According to rumors, the device could have a battery capacity of more than 5,500 mAh. To put that number in perspective, that’s significantly larger than the battery of the powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro Max (rated at 5,088 mAh) and dwarfs major competitors like the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Why battery size is the real battleground
This is important because battery life has historically been the foldable form factor’s Achilles heel. It’s simple physics: When you have a device that needs to power two separate screens – one of which is tablet-sized – you quickly use up energy. Typically, manufacturers have to split the battery into two smaller, thinner cells so the device can be folded, which often results in mediocre performance. If Apple has found a way to cram a 5,500mAh cell into a case without making it feel like a brick, they’re not just catching up; They solve the biggest pain point in this category.
The leak doesn’t stop at the battery. We’re looking at a reported 7.8-inch interior display that’s said to be “wrinkle-resistant” (the holy grail of foldable tech) and a handy 5.5-inch exterior screen. Under the hood, it is said to run on next-generation A20 silicon paired with a new “C2” modem.
This combination is crucial. Apple’s chips are already legendary for their efficiency. Combining a highly efficient A20 chip with the largest battery ever put into an iPhone could result in a device that can actually last all day, even with the huge screen lit up for multitasking, spreadsheets or video editing on the go.
The strategy: better, not first
For the consumer, this transforms the foldable device from a “cool toy” into a serious productivity tool. Content creators and business travelers often shy away from foldable devices because they can’t afford to be plugged in until 3 p.m. If Apple offers best-in-class endurance, this device will be the ultimate all-rounder.
The timeline suggests a late 2026 launch, likely alongside the iPhone 18 series. It appears that Apple is sticking to its classic game plan: wait for the technology to mature, watch competitors make early mistakes, and then release a polished product that dominates the high-end market. If these specs hold true, the iPhone Fold won’t just be Apple’s first flexible phone; It could be the first where you don’t have to compromise on battery life to get a bigger screen.
