First Protective Cases for Apple’s Foldable iPhone Emerge, Confirming Design Details
As anticipation builds for Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone, accessory manufacturer iFunSmart has unveiled the first protective cases tailored for the device. These new cases not only offer a glimpse into the phone’s design but also corroborate several circulating rumors.
Design Insights from iFunSmart’s Cases
Historically, accessory makers like iFunSmart begin mass-producing cases ahead of official device announcements. They often rely on dummy units or leaked CAD files to ensure precise measurements, aiming to have products ready for launch day. In April, leaker Sonny Dickson shared images of foldable iPhone dummy units, providing templates that case manufacturers typically use.
The cases listed by iFunSmart, as reported by French Apple site iPhoneSoft, showcase several notable features:
– Rear Camera Design: A subtle camera plateau housing two lenses, suggesting Apple may forgo the telephoto lens in this model.
– Slim Profile: The cases indicate a sleek design, aligning with expectations for the foldable iPhone’s aesthetics.
– MagSafe Compatibility: A circular cutout suggests potential support for MagSafe-style magnets.
iFunSmart describes these cases as offering military-grade drop protection, integrated N52 magnets, a translucent matte finish, and raised edges—1.5mm around the camera and 1mm around the screen—to safeguard against impacts.
Implications of the Case Design
The design elements of iFunSmart’s cases align with previous rumors and dummy unit designs, providing a clearer picture of the foldable iPhone’s exterior. The presence of only two camera lens cutouts supports reports that Apple might exclude the telephoto camera. Additionally, a cutout for a Camera Control button is visible, while the absence of an Action button is noted. The case’s multi-part design, featuring separate snap-on sections, accommodates the device’s folding mechanism.
MagSafe Compatibility: A Closer Look
While the inclusion of magnets in the case suggests MagSafe compatibility, it doesn’t necessarily confirm that the foldable iPhone itself will feature built-in MagSafe technology. Speculation exists that the device might lack this feature. The N52 magnets in the case could be intended to attach to external MagSafe accessories, such as wireless chargers and car mounts, without corresponding magnets inside the phone.
Market Anticipation and Accessory Production
iFunSmart’s listings are likely the first of many, as accessory manufacturers typically flood the market with cases in the months leading up to a new iPhone launch. Competing brands are expected to release their variants as the device’s announcement approaches.
Expected Launch and Specifications
Apple is widely anticipated to unveil the foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in fall 2026. Leaks suggest the device will feature a 5.5-inch external display, a 7.8-inch inner display, a folded thickness of approximately 9.5mm, and an open thickness of about 4.5mm. It’s expected to be powered by the A20 Pro chip with 12GB of memory, dual 48-megapixel rear cameras, and Touch ID integrated into the side button instead of Face ID. The starting price is projected to be around $2,000.
