Apple's foldable iPhone arriving next year with four cameras, Touch ID and no SIM card slot: Report

Apple is reportedly advancing its foldable iPhone, codenamed V68, with production ramping up for a potential fall 2025 release, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 series, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device, expected to resemble Samsung's Z Fold, will feature Apple's C2 modem and utilize an in-cell touchscreen to mitigate display crease issues, a shift from prior plans. This strategic entry into the foldable market could reshape Apple's product roadmap, potentially delaying the standard iPhone 18 model, and has implications for its supply chain partners.

Analysis

According to speculative reports, Apple is advancing its foldable iPhone project, codenamed V68, with a potential launch targeted for fall 2025 alongside the iPhone 18 series. This strategic move into the high-end foldable market, a segment currently dominated by competitors like Samsung, could significantly alter Apple's product roadmap, potentially delaying the standard iPhone 18 model to prioritize this new form factor. Key technical details suggest a focus on vertical integration and user experience refinement; the device is expected to feature Apple's proprietary C2 modem, a direct negative development for component supplier Qualcomm. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly pivoting to an in-cell touchscreen technology to minimize the display crease, a critical factor for adoption in the foldable category. However, the project carries mixed signals, with potential feature downgrades such as the use of Touch ID instead of Face ID and the removal of the physical SIM slot, which could be perceived negatively by consumers and introduces execution risk.

Key Decisions for Investors

• For Apple (AAPL) investors, this development signals a potential entry into a new high-margin product category, but the speculative nature and potential feature compromises warrant monitoring for official confirmation before adjusting long-term growth models.
• For Qualcomm (QCOM) investors, the report reinforces the secular risk of Apple's component in-sourcing, as the planned use of an internal C2 modem in a future flagship device further reduces QCOM's share in Apple's supply chain.
• Investors should consider the report's speculative tone and recognize that the final product specifications could differ, with consumer reception hinging on whether the foldable form factor outweighs potential downgrades like the switch from Face ID to Touch ID.