Before each generation of iPhone is released, there are always numerous rumors about its design, camera, chip, and new features. However, by the iPhone 18 generation, one of the most anticipated topics might not just be the iPhone 18 Pro itself, but Apple's long-rumored first foldable iPhone.

This new device is currently referred to by the public as the iPhone Fold, with some speculating that Apple might name it the iPhone Ultra. Although Apple has not officially announced it, based on current rumors, it could be the most significant design change for the iPhone since its inception.

In the past, iPhone upgrades mostly revolved around a larger screen, a more powerful camera, and a faster chip. But if the foldable iPhone truly arrives, it might change not just the specifications, but also the way we use our phones.

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What is Apple's first Fold? Not a flip phone, but a book-style foldable

The rumored Apple foldable phone is not a small device that folds in half like early flip phones, but rather a "book-style" Fold design.

Simply put, when closed, it will resemble a more compact iPhone, allowing users to check notifications, answer calls, and reply to messages with one hand. When unfolded, it will transform into a larger screen, offering a user experience similar to a small tablet.

This is why it's not just "an iPhone that can fold," but more like a new device positioned between an iPhone and an iPad mini. For Apple, this could be an entirely new product positioning: the portability of a phone combined with the large-screen experience of a tablet.

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Usage habit one: Watching videos, dramas, and scrolling content will be more like a tablet experience

Many people already use their iPhones as their primary entertainment device, often watching YouTube, streaming shows, scrolling through short videos, and even watching live streams directly on their phones.

However, no matter how large a phone screen is, it still has size limitations. The biggest change with a foldable iPhone is that it offers a larger viewing area without sacrificing portability.

The unfolded large screen can display video content more completely, make text clearer, and show more information when browsing web pages or social media. For those who frequently use their phone for entertainment during commutes, in cafes, or while traveling, this will be a noticeable upgrade.

 

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Usage habit two: Multitasking may become more natural

Switching between apps on an iPhone is already convenient, but if you want to view documents while replying to messages, or watch a video while looking up information, screen size limitations still exist.

If the foldable iPhone truly supports split-screen functionality similar to the iPad, its most practical application might be in everyday multitasking scenarios.

For example, opening a map while checking reservation details; browsing a product page while discussing with friends; reading an article while taking notes. These operations, previously better suited for an iPad or computer, might now be accomplished directly on a single iPhone.

This is also what makes foldable phones truly interesting: they don't just have a larger screen; they transform the phone from a "single-task tool" into something closer to a "mobile workstation."

 

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Usage habit three: Taking photos, editing, and selecting photos will be more convenient

The iPhone has always been the most commonly used camera for many, but after taking photos, if you want to closely examine the composition, select photos, edit them, or cut videos, the small screen can sometimes be less intuitive.

The large screen of an unfolded foldable iPhone might make photo previewing, video editing, color grading, and layout more comfortable. Especially for users who frequently take product photos, travel photos, Instagram Stories, or Reels, a large screen can reduce the hassle of repeatedly zooming in and out.

However, there are also rumors that the first generation foldable iPhone might compromise on camera specifications due to body thickness and internal space constraints. This means its advantage might not be the strongest zoom, but rather a larger creative canvas and more flexible operating methods.

 

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Usage habit four: The phone might become a mini tablet

Many people buy an iPad mini because it's better suited for reading, watching videos, researching information, and handling simple tasks than an iPhone, yet it's more portable than a regular iPad.

If Apple's first Fold truly offers an iPad mini-like screen experience when unfolded, it might attract a group of users who are already torn between an iPhone and an iPad mini.

When out and about, it's a phone; when a large screen is needed, it can unfold into a small tablet. This "one device, two uses" approach makes the role of the phone more flexible and might also influence whether some people still need to purchase a small-sized iPad.

 

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Usage habit five: Phone protection and accessory choices will become more important

If the foldable iPhone truly arrives, accessory choices will become more complex. Regular iPhone cases mainly protect the back panel, edges, lenses, and buttons; but a foldable phone has an additional hinge, inner screen, outer screen, and a more precise opening and closing mechanism.

This means that in the future, when choosing a protective case, one cannot just consider aesthetics. It will also be important to consider hinge protection, edge coverage, smooth screen opening and closing, and whether it affects the grip.

Additionally, there are currently rumors that the first generation foldable iPhone might make compromises on certain features due to its thin body. Therefore, whether it will support MagSafe in the future and whether the protective case can maintain stable magnetic attachment will be key concerns for both accessory brands and users.

For those who value phone aesthetics and daily protection, whether you are currently using an iPhone 15, iPhone 16, iPhone 17, or planning to upgrade to the iPhone 18 series in the future, it is recommended to choose a phone case that balances protection, grip, and aesthetic coordination. UNIU's iPhone case series is very suitable for users who want to maintain both protection and quality in their daily commute, outdoor photography, and lifestyle matching.

 

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Will the foldable iPhone replace the regular iPhone?

In the short term, it's unlikely that the foldable iPhone will directly replace the regular iPhone. The reason is simple: the first generation of foldable phones typically has a higher price, a more complex body structure, and may not be suitable for everyone's usage habits.

For most users, the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, or iPhone 18 Pro Max will still be the more mainstream and stable choices. The foldable iPhone is more like a new option released by Apple for high-end users, tech enthusiasts, business professionals, and heavy content consumers.

In other words, it's not something everyone needs, but it might redefine what a "high-end iPhone" can look like.

 

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Who should wait for Apple's first Fold?

If you usually just scroll through social media, send messages, take photos, and watch short videos, a regular iPhone might already be sufficient, and you might not need to specifically wait for a foldable phone.

However, if you frequently use your phone to watch videos, process documents, research information, edit photos, cut short videos, or hope that your phone can double as a small tablet, then Apple's first Fold will be a model worth paying close attention to.

The target audience for it might not simply be those who pursue the latest specifications, but rather those who want their phone to become a more complete mobile work and entertainment center.

 

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Summary: Apple's first Fold might not just be a new iPhone, but a new way of using it.

The iPhone 18 generation is drawing attention not just because of the rumored A20 chip, C2 modem, camera upgrades, or a smaller Dynamic Island, but because Apple might finally be bringing the iPhone into the era of foldable screens.

If the first foldable iPhone truly arrives, the change it brings might not just be "a phone that can fold," but rather an iPhone that simultaneously offers the convenience of a phone and the large-screen experience of a tablet.

From audio-visual entertainment, multitasking, and content creation, to daily protection and accessory choices, the foldable iPhone might make us rethink how we use our phones.

Of course, the current information is still based on rumors, and the actual name, specifications, price, and release date will only be confirmed after Apple's official announcement. But what is certain is that if Apple's first Fold truly arrives with the iPhone 18 generation, it is likely to become one of the most talked-about iPhones in recent years.