Apple's Foldable iPhone Design Hints at a Shift in Foldable Philosophy

The foldable smartphone market is poised for a potential shakeup if recent leaks surrounding Apple's foldable iPhone prove accurate. While Apple has remained tight-lipped about its foldable ambitions, purported CAD renders, revealed by FrontPageTech, paint a picture of a device prioritizing a functional design akin to the Google Pixel Fold over the taller, slimmer profile of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series.

These leaks suggest a book-fold design, featuring a broad internal screen and a smaller external display. Specifically, the information points to a 5.5-inch external screen and a 7.8-inch foldable screen, placing it in a similar size category as the rumored Samsung Galaxy Wide Fold. This design choice suggests Apple is aiming for a device that excels in multitasking and offers a more tablet-like experience when unfolded.

Beyond the form factor, the leaks also address one of the biggest pain points of foldable devices: the dreaded crease. Apple is reportedly exploring several innovative solutions to minimize this issue, including a pressure-dispersing metal plate, liquid metal hinge parts, and an in-cell touch display. These technologies aim to create a flatter inner screen with a significantly less visible fold crease, potentially setting a new standard for foldable display quality. According to tipster Ice Universe, Apple will also use an “R-angle corner, which will look softer in appearance than Samsung’s boxier corners.”

Another notable aspect of the rumored design is its slim profile. The foldable iPhone is said to be just 9mm thick when folded and 4.5mm when unfurled, making it thinner than the Google Pixel Fold and comparable to Samsung's expected Galaxy Z Fold 7. This emphasis on a slender design could address concerns about the bulkiness of foldable phones, making them more pocket-friendly and appealing to a wider audience.

Internally, the iPhone Fold may be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro SoC, built on a 2nm process, and feature their in-house C2 modem. Leaks suggest a dual-camera setup on both the front and back. Speculation also suggests Apple might reintroduce Touch ID, possibly integrated into the power button, as an alternative or complement to Face ID.

If these leaks hold true, Apple's entry into the foldable market could signal a significant shift in how these devices are designed and used. By prioritizing functionality, minimizing the crease, and maintaining a slim profile, Apple could attract users who have been hesitant to embrace foldable technology due to its perceived drawbacks. The launch, currently rumored for 2026, may represent Apple's most significant design overhaul since the original iPhone.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.