Apple has been waiting a long time iPhone Fold may pack a large battery and bold design changes, according to new rumors on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo. Leakers with a mixed but established track record shared the details, which 9 to 5 Mac reported on Monday.

A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Largest iPhone battery

According to latest reportApple is testing a 5,500-mAh battery for the iPhone Fold. If accurate, that would make it the largest battery used in an iPhone by a significant margin. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max expected to send a 5,088-mAh cell, already the largest battery Apple has placed in a nonfolding iPhone.

The jump in capacity makes sense due to the demands of a foldable design, which usually requires more power to drive a larger internal display. It also suggests that Apple may prioritize battery life as a key selling point, an area where earlier foldables from other manufacturers have often struggled.

Buttons, camera and other design changes

Separate drops point to additional hardware changes, including higher-profile volume buttons positioned at the top of the device. The shift can improve usability when you’re laying the phone out, where traditional button placement can feel awkward.

The same report references updated camera hardware and refinements to the hinge and chassis, though specific details remain vague. Taken together, the changes show Apple continuing to improve ergonomics and durability – two areas where foldable phones face the most scrutiny.

While Apple has yet to publicly acknowledge the iPhone Fold, an increasing number of leaks suggest that development is underway. If these rumors hold true, Apple’s first foldable could come with fewer compromises than previous entries in the category.