Apple’s first foldable iPhone could come with a 24-megapixel under-display camera built directly into the inner screen, according to a new JP Morgan equity report shared with MacRumors. This would make it the first smartphone in the industry to achieve such a high-resolution sensor hidden beneath the display surface.
Earlier leaks hinted at Apple’s plans to use an under-screen camera for its book-style foldable, but none mentioned this level of detail. The inclusion of a 24-megapixel sensor marks a big step forward in display-integrated camera technology, especially since most Android devices with similar setups use lower-resolution sensors like 4MP or 8MP.
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Under-display cameras often face problems with light passing through the display layers, which can reduce sharpness and brightness. The report suggests Apple has made a major leap in improving light transmittance, leading to sharper and clearer photos. JP Morgan’s note also points out that the camera will use six plastic lens elements, likely to enhance color accuracy and image detail.
Compact Design with Trade-Offs
To keep the foldable device thin and portable, Apple has reportedly skipped some hardware found in its Pro models. The research indicates that the foldable may not include LiDAR or optical image stabilization, decisions likely made to reduce space and complexity.
Meanwhile, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the phone would feature a dual-lens rear camera and a front camera available in both folded and unfolded states. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman backed that claim, adding that the device will house four cameras in total: one inner camera, one front-facing unit, and two rear lenses. A Weibo source known as Digital Chat Station mentioned that the rear lenses could each carry a 48-megapixel resolution.
Dual Display and Authentication
The inner display is expected to house the under-screen camera, while the outer screen may use a punch-hole cutout for the front camera. Instead of Face ID, Apple might use Touch ID built into the side button for authentication. This setup would simplify the design and help maintain the device’s slim form.
Gurman said Apple aims to launch the foldable next year during the fall season. But Japan’s Mizuho Securities suggested that the release could slip to 2027 as Apple continues refining the hinge and other critical components.
If these reports hold true, Apple’s foldable iPhone would combine advanced imaging with a design focused on compactness and performance, a device built to stand apart in a crowded foldable market.
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