The first dummy images of the iPhone Fold, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, have surfaced, offering an early glimpse of devices expected to launch in the autumn of 2026.

Shared by well-known leaker Sonny Dickson, the images quickly sparked discussion - particularly as the foldable iPhone appears to be missing the familiar MagSafe ring.

A familiar design, but a missing detail

The leaked models only show the front and back of the devices, without revealing deeper technical specifications. However, they align closely with previously leaked CAD renders and notably show no trace of the circular MagSafe system on the back of the iPhone Fold.

This is not entirely surprising. Earlier CAD drawings - also published by Sonny Dickson - suggested the same omission. The main difference in the new models lies in internal structural details, believed to support the foldable display. These elements indicate that the internal design has progressed further in development.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models also feature internal structural components. However, unlike the foldable version, the Pro models include engraved serial markings, suggesting they are further along in development. The iPhone Fold, by contrast, may still be at an earlier prototype stage.

All three devices are shown from both front and rear angles. On the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the familiar MagSafe ring remains positioned beneath the horizontal camera bar. On the iPhone Fold, however, there is no visible sign of the magnetic system.

Earlier reports suggest the iPhone Fold could measure just around 4.5mm when unfolded - significantly thinner than the iPhone Air at 5.64mm. This extreme thinness may explain why Apple is unable to incorporate the MagSafe magnet system inside the device.

If accurate, the iPhone Fold - rumored to be priced on par with a Mac Studio - could lack one of the defining features of modern iPhones. This would likely prove controversial, as MagSafe is not only used for wireless charging but also plays a central role in Apple’s accessory ecosystem.

Lessons from previous iPhones

Apple has faced criticism before for removing MagSafe. The feature was dropped from the iPhone 16e in a bid to reduce costs, only to be reinstated in the updated iPhone 17e after user backlash.

That episode underscored how essential MagSafe has become, especially for premium devices.

If the iPhone Fold ultimately ships without MagSafe, Apple may need to introduce an alternative - perhaps a new charging system or dedicated accessories tailored for foldable devices. However, such a move risks fragmenting an ecosystem that has so far remained tightly integrated.

Although still based on prototype models, the timing of this leak aligns with Apple’s typical development cycle. In recent years, dummy units have tended to surface roughly a year before official release.

Indeed, nearly 12 months ago, similar dummy models of the iPhone 17 lineup appeared - and were later confirmed to be accurate when the products launched. This pattern leads many analysts to believe that the latest images could closely reflect the final design of the 2026 iPhone lineup.

If the leaks hold true, the iPhone Fold could represent a major step forward in foldable smartphone design, particularly in terms of thinness. Yet the trade-off - sacrificing MagSafe for a slimmer profile - may leave users weighing innovation against practicality.

Hai Phong