The developments signal Apple's entry into two rapidly evolving segments where competitors like Samsung and other smartphone makers have already established a strong presence.

Foldable smartphones were first popularised in 2019, with Samsung leading the segment. Since then, several manufacturers have introduced foldable devices with varying designs and features.

Apple's delayed entry has raised expectations, with industry observers anticipating a refined and differentiated product. Reports suggest the company has focused on improving durability and usability, particularly addressing common issues like screen creasing.

The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a redesigned hinge mechanism aimed at minimising the visible crease on the display, offering a smoother and more natural viewing experience.

According to leaks, the device may include a 5.5-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch inner screen, making it comparable to a compact tablet when unfolded. It is also likely to use Samsung's latest M16 OLED panels, which promise improved energy efficiency and display quality.

In terms of design changes, Apple may opt for a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button, instead of Face ID, due to space constraints within the foldable form factor.

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a dual rear camera setup with a 48-megapixel primary sensor and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Reports suggest the absence of a telephoto lens, indicating a focus on core photography capabilities.

For selfies and video calls, the device may include a 24-megapixel under-display camera on the inner screen and a hole-punch camera on the outer display.

On the performance front, the device is likely to be powered by Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip, expected to be built on a 2nm process. This could deliver significant improvements in speed and energy efficiency over previous models.

The smartphone is also rumoured to feature 12GB of RAM and storage options of up to 1TB, catering to power users.

Battery capacity is expected to range between 5,400mAh and 5,800mAh, potentially making it the largest battery ever in an iPhone. The device may also adopt an eSIM-only approach, eliminating the physical SIM tray.

Alongside hardware upgrades, Apple is expected to introduce a significantly enhanced version of Siri powered by artificial intelligence. The upgrade aims to bring Apple in line with competitors that have already integrated AI features into their devices.

The improved Siri is expected to offer more contextual understanding, better voice interaction, and deeper integration across apps and services.

The iPhone Fold is anticipated to debut around September, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. However, reports remain mixed regarding its availability.

While some sources suggest a simultaneous release, others indicate possible delays due to manufacturing challenges, potentially pushing large-scale availability into 2027.

Apple's entry into foldable smartphones and AI-driven assistants marks a significant shift in its product strategy. By combining advanced hardware with AI capabilities, the company aims to redefine user experience and compete more aggressively in evolving tech segments.

If successful, the iPhone Fold and AI-powered Siri could set new benchmarks in design, performance, and intelligent functionality, reinforcing Apple's position in the global smartphone market.