Sonny Dickson Reveals First Dummy Model of Apple's iPhone Fold in Exclusive Leak

A startling revelation has emerged from the world of tech leaks, as Sonny Dickson, a Melbourne-based journalist and prolific tipster, shared what he claims to be the first dummy model of Apple's long-rumored iPhone Fold. Posted to X (formerly Twitter), the images purport to show the early-stage prototype of Apple's first foldable smartphone, alongside what appear to be mockups for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Dickson's caption read: "Exclusive First Dummies of what the final size of the iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will look like." The photos have sparked a firestorm of reactions, with fans divided between curiosity and disappointment.

The dummy unit depicted in the images features a book-style design, with a dual rear camera system visible on the back. The foldable screen appears to be wide and rectangular, though its exact dimensions remain ambiguous. Some users have expressed frustration over the design, with one commenter stating, "That fold is horrific, it's so tiny and will still cost $2300. Typical Apple." Another lamented, "Apple has lost its way," while a third exclaimed, "Omg the fold is so… ugly?" The debate over size and usability has been fierce, with critics arguing the device's proportions feel awkward for everyday use. "The fold is too wide, can't palm that easily in normal phone use," one viewer wrote, adding, "When you flip it out, that's fine, but ya." Others have compared it unfavorably to Samsung's Galaxy Fold Z, which they believe offers a more balanced form factor.

A closer look at the dummy model reveals a camera bump on the back, housing two lenses. Notably absent is Apple's MagSafe charging system, a feature that has become a hallmark of recent iPhone models. This omission has drawn sharp criticism from fans, with one X user writing, "If the Fold is missing MagSafe, this will be a big NO for me," and another exclaiming, "NO MAGSAFE FOR IPHONE FOLD???" The absence of MagSafe raises questions about Apple's strategy for foldable devices, particularly as it competes with rivals like Samsung and Google, who have already established footholds in the foldable market.

Despite the mixed reactions to the dummy model, the broader context of Apple's plans appears more certain than ever. In his latest newsletter, Bloomberg's Apple analyst Mark Gurman confirmed that Apple's first foldable phone is set to launch during the company's traditional iPhone release window later this year. According to insiders, the foldable model will debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September 2026. "Apple's phones typically hit store shelves the week after they're unveiled," Gurman noted, dispelling earlier concerns about manufacturing delays. This timeline underscores Apple's determination to enter the foldable market at a pivotal moment, as competition from Samsung and Google intensifies.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the leak is Apple's approach to the persistent challenge of the "crease" in foldable displays. Jon Prosser, a YouTuber known for his Apple leaks, explained that Apple has reportedly developed a groundbreaking solution to this issue. "One big drawback to foldables, regardless of how cool they may look and feel, is that from too many angles, you can see and feel a crease down the middle of the plastic display where the hinge is," Prosser said. However, he claims Apple has "completely subverted" this problem by integrating a metal plate to disperse bending pressure and using liquid metal in the hinge itself. The result, according to insiders, is a device that appears almost identical to a standard iPhone in terms of thickness—around 9mm—despite unfolding to reveal a 7.8-inch display. "You're looking at 4.5mm thin—it's kinda crazy," Prosser added, highlighting the engineering feat.

The camera configuration has also sparked interest, with rumors suggesting the iPhone Fold will feature four lenses: one on the outside, two rear-facing, and one on the inside. This setup could enable advanced photography capabilities, particularly for users who want to capture high-quality images without needing to unfold the device. Perhaps the most surprising rumored feature is the potential return of Touch ID, replacing Face ID as Apple's biometric authentication method. This move would mark a significant departure from recent iPhone models and could signal Apple's attempt to address user concerns about the reliability of Face ID in certain lighting conditions or with accessories like masks.

As the launch date approaches, speculation about the iPhone Fold's performance, pricing, and market reception continues to grow. While some fans remain skeptical about the design and functionality of the dummy model, others are cautiously optimistic. One X user shared a render of their imagined iPhone Fold, captioning it: "Form. Function. Fold." Whether this vision aligns with Apple's final product remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the tech world is watching closely as Apple prepares to redefine its legacy with its first foldable smartphone.

Mr. Prosser's revelations paint a picture of Apple's foldable iPhone that feels both familiar and revolutionary. Touch ID, the fingerprint sensor that once defined the iPhone's security landscape, is set to make a dramatic return—not in its traditional home button location, but integrated directly into the power button, which itself is returning to the top of the device. This shift raises intriguing questions: Why would Apple choose such a design over the more conventional placement? Could it be a nod to the foldable form factor's unique demands, or perhaps a strategic move to streamline the device's physical footprint? The return of Touch ID alone suggests Apple is prioritizing user convenience and security in a way that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

The color palette for the foldable iPhone, however, tells a different story. While Apple's Pro models this year dazzled with vibrant orange and blue hues, the foldable is expected to embrace a starkly minimalist approach. "The only colours available will be black and white," Mr. Prosser confirmed. This contrast feels deliberate. Is Apple hedging its bets by opting for timeless tones that appeal to a broader audience, or is this a calculated effort to position the foldable as a premium, almost aspirational product? The absence of flashy colors might also hint at the device's intended use case: perhaps it's designed for professionals or early adopters who value understated elegance over eye-catching aesthetics.

Yet the most tantalizing detail lies in the price. Mr. Prosser's estimate—"very, very expensive," he called it—places the foldable iPhone in a ballpark of $2,000 to $2,500. Such figures immediately invite scrutiny: Can Apple justify this pricing in a market where even its most advanced Pro models start at around $1,000? What features or innovations will justify such a premium? The answer likely lies in the foldable's hardware and software capabilities. A device that combines Apple's signature build quality with cutting-edge foldable technology—perhaps featuring a seamless hinge, ultra-thin glass, or a revolutionary display—could justifiably command such a price. But will consumers, even those loyal to the brand, be willing to pay for a product that remains, at least for now, more concept than reality?

Apple's official stance on these rumors, however, remains as cryptic as ever. During a September visit to Apple's London HQ, John Ternus, the company's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, was asked about the foldable iPhone amid the launch of the iPhone 17 series. His response was characteristically evasive: "You probably know we never talk about anything in the future," he said, redirecting attention to the imminent release of the current models. This silence is not unusual for Apple, but it underscores a broader tension. The company thrives on secrecy, yet the foldable iPhone represents a gamble—one that could either redefine its product lineup or risk alienating consumers who feel left in the dark.

As the rumors swirl and the industry watches closely, one thing is clear: Apple's foldable iPhone, if it materializes, will not be just another device. It will be a statement. Whether that statement resonates with the public depends on whether the final product can deliver on the promise of innovation, affordability, and the seamless integration of form and function that has long defined the iPhone's legacy.