Apple’s foldable iPhone gets positive early reviews, but lacks a telephoto camera

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has spoken with several people who have already tested Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone, revealing new details about what to expect from the device.

Testers reportedly liked how the phone feels in a pocket and praised the strength and design of its new hinge. They also highlighted the software, which uses an iPad-style app layout to make better use of the larger inner display.

Apple’s foldable iPhone will not have a dedicated telephoto lens, although Gurman’s sources say it still performs well when shooting distant subjects. With the phone expected to cost more than $2,000, the omission could be a dealbreaker for buyers expecting a top-tier camera system at that price. The device will also use Touch ID instead of Face ID.

Apple is expected to unveil the foldable on September 9, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Gurman sees China as a particularly important market for Apple’s first foldable. Foldable phones accounted for just 1.6% of global smartphone shipments in 2025, yet China made up more than half of those sales, with over 10 million units shipped — more than the rest of the world combined. That makes the launch especially important for Apple as it loses ground in the country amid growing competition from Huawei.

Apple will also be entering a market where buyers already have several established options. Samsung offers the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the larger Z Fold 8 Ultra, while Google has the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Buyers interested mainly in the foldable form factor rather than Apple’s ecosystem may already have compelling alternatives.

Durov’s Code previously reported that Apple’s foldable iPhone is on track for a September launch. Reports that the device would use Touch ID instead of Face ID first surfaced in December 2025.

Rumor: Apple’s foldable iPhone may drop Face ID in favor of Touch ID in the power button

Apple’s first foldable smartphone may lose one of the iPhone’s core features: Face ID.

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