Other Rumoured iPhone fold size - concept drawing and renders

[GeorgeVes]

See, for me the annoying thing about the current lineup is the width. Ultimately that’s what’s limiting how comfortable it is to hold single handed. This being a fair bit wider than the mini, I’m not sure it will be easier to use….

 

[blairh]

See, for me the annoying thing about the current lineup is the width. Ultimately that’s what’s limiting how comfortable it is to hold single handed. This being a fair bit wider than the mini, I’m not sure it will be easier to use….

Don't use your iPhone with one hand unless you absolutely must. (Like standing on a subway, etc.) Using two hands is far easier.

 

[Zackmd1]

I created another one in comparison to the iPhone Air:

View attachment 2562806

The idea behind the larger camera plateau is because when you see the internals of the Air, a second camera next to it would take up too much space, so below it would make more sense. Also not having a 3rd camera leaves more room for the brains of the device and then the rest of the bottom and the other screen side can be completely batteries.

Regarding the hinge, I think other manufacturers would've come up with something really innovative already, as Apple is more of perfecting instead of innovating at this time. But I hope they can surprise us.

Just a thought with the camera plateau... There still needs to be room below for MagSafe. That is going to determine how tall the plateau can be in relation to the device size.

I wonder if Apple can go with a square rear camera sensor like the front camera on the 17s to have a wide-angle option without needing a second sensor. Wouldn't be quite as good as a dedicated sensor but would bridge the gap and reduce space used for the camera array. Logic board design and internal layout would essentially be identical to iPhone Air (minus additional connectors for the inner screen) in that instance. Battery would fill space below logic board just like the Air and entire second half of the phone could be dedicated to battery.

 

[deuxani]

This shows a bit how it would look like to have iPadOS running on a smaller screen:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1989626181109653702

It works surprisingly well. It makes sense to use this on the inner display of the foldable.

 

[terminator-jq]

This shows a bit how it would look like to have iPadOS running on a smaller screen:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1989626181109653702

It works surprisingly well. It makes sense to use this on the inner display of the foldable.

This is very interesting actually. I’m looking forward to seeing how Apple handles it. In reality it will probably just use a modified version of iOS that has some enhanced multitasking capabilities for use when opened. The question is how much of a gap there will be between the iPhone fold when opened and an iPad mini…? Will Apple let the fold be a true iPad mini replacement or will it simply behave as a larger screen iPhone and lack some of the features that set iPad os apart?

Beyond multitasking, I’m really hoping they allow iPad exclusive apps to be installed such as Affinity or Swift Playgrounds. That would really make it the ultimate pocket friendly productivity tool. Even better if they introduce a mini Apple Pencil.

 

[deuxani]

Will Apple let the fold be a true iPad mini replacement or will it simply behave as a larger screen iPhone and lack some of the features that set iPad os apart?

Yeah that is the biggest and most interesting question! And how are they going to handle the App Store? Will there be a third category, do devs need to update their apps or will apps work seamlessly on day 1? I really hope the unfolded screen will run full iPadOS apps and get all the multitasking benefits or else… what would be the point of an iPad Mini sized screen?

I think hardware wise we already know enough about foldables, so the software is the biggest mystery now.

 

[digimc]

These really are fabulous renderings that have been put forth here.

I have to say that I was early on a little lukewarm on the whole iPhone fold concept, but I am really starting to warm up to the idea. I honestly am getting pretty excited to see what Apple can do here. 2026, I think, is really going to be a fun year for Apple.

 

[deuxani]

2026, I think, is really going to be a fun year for Apple.

Yeah finally the iPhone is exciting again. This year with the incredible base 17, the really pro Pro’s and the exciting design of the Air. Next year with the foldable and the year after with the 20th anniversary model with quad curved screen and under display camera and maybe a flip after.

 

[erihp]

its 'folding' the wrong way! give us a flip!

 

[winxmac]

September 2026 - iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max
March 2027 - iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2
September 2027 - iPhone XX, iPhone 19 Pro, iPhone 19 Pro Max
March 2028 - iPhone 19, iPhone Flip

 

[ZhenyaF]

its 'folding' the wrong way! give us a flip!

Yes!

 

[iZac]

I have to thank you again @deuxani for contributing your skilled photoshopping and keeping this thread alive, I keep forgetting about it and only check back every couple of weeks.

I popped back in because I was randomly looking at my passport just now and realised it's nearly the same size as my rendered estimation. A standard passport size is 125mm x 88mm. In my renders I had estimated 120.6mm x 85.6mm with the 'magic' hinge.

The real hinge will probably make the actual fold wider than my optimistic renders so yeah, since I don't have a 3D printer - haha - I'm going to carry my passport round for a little bit to get a feel for it!

 

[Zackmd1]

I have to thank you again @deuxani for contributing your skilled photoshopping and keeping this thread alive, I keep forgetting about it and only check back every couple of weeks.

I popped back in because I was randomly looking at my passport just now and realised it's nearly the same size as my rendered estimation. A standard passport size is 125mm x 88mm. In my renders I had estimated 120.6mm x 85.6mm with the 'magic' hinge.

The real hinge will probably make the actual fold wider than my optimistic renders so yeah, since I don't have a 3D printer - haha - I'm going to carry my passport round for a little bit to get a feel for it!

Well the latest rumors point to slightly smaller display sizes of 5.38" and 7.58". My guess is that Apple is trying to get the fold to a similar width of the Pro Max. Passport width would be too wide IMO for a comfortable pocket experience.

 

[iZac]

Well the latest rumors point to slightly smaller display sizes of 5.38" and 7.58". My guess is that Apple is trying to get the fold to a similar width of the Pro Max. Passport width would be too wide IMO for a comfortable pocket experience.

Oh, I missed this smaller size rumour (embarrassingly I only really get my Apple-based rumours from MacRumours)

This is good news, anything to make it smaller! I’ve resigned myself to the thought that I’ll have to use the compact one-sided keyboard for typing too.

 

[Zackmd1]

Oh, I missed this smaller size rumour (embarrassingly I only really get my Apple-based rumours from this site)

This is good news, anything to make it smaller! I’ve resigned myself to the thought that I’ll have to use the compact one-sided keyboard for typing too.

Yep! If we assume the aspect ratios haven't changed from the previous rumors (and to be fair, they might have) then at 5.38" we get a cover screen that is about 76mm wide. Almost identical to a Pro Max screen width. My guess is that the overall width when folded is targeted to be around 80mm which would be only 2mm wider then a Pro Max. With the more square form factor when folded it would be close to ~50mm (2") shorter then a Pro Max making it very pocketable.

 

[tomtad]

I created another one in comparison to the iPhone Air:

View attachment 2562806

The idea behind the larger camera plateau is because when you see the internals of the Air, a second camera next to it would take up too much space, so below it would make more sense. Also not having a 3rd camera leaves more room for the brains of the device and then the rest of the bottom and the other screen side can be completely batteries.

Regarding the hinge, I think other manufacturers would've come up with something really innovative already, as Apple is more of perfecting instead of innovating at this time. But I hope they can surprise us.

There should be no need to do this. The added width of the device should allow for the same area of plateau between the flash and camera with an added camera as the Air

 

[terminator-jq]

I’m really excited to see what Apple will choose for the final screen size and aspect ratio. They are definitely going against the market trend by choosing a wider aspect ratio. As a long time Pro Max user, I just hope Apple can strike a good balance of making this thing comfortable to pocket while also being large enough to use as a tablet (and large enough to make a difference for pro max users).

Since Pro Max users will already loose the telephoto camera, Face ID and overall durability, it will be interesting to see how Apple markets the fold as an upgrade worth the extra $800 over the pro max. If they make the screen too small, that may be a harder upgrade to sell.

 

[The Game 161]

I’m really excited to see what Apple will choose for the final screen size and aspect ratio. They are definitely going against the market trend by choosing a wider aspect ratio. As a long time Pro Max user, I just hope Apple can strike a good balance of making this thing comfortable to pocket while also being large enough to use as a tablet (and large enough to make a difference for pro max users).

Since Pro Max users will already loose the telephoto camera, Face ID and overall durability, it will be interesting to see how Apple markets the fold as an upgrade worth the extra $800 over the pro max. If they make the screen too small, that may be a harder upgrade to sell.

I think the fact it will be so wide will help pro max users as well you will still get good content viewing and opened up will be like iPad mini

It’s still said to be 9mm and it’s said will be 5400-5800 battery so hope that’s true

 

[ofarlig]

I think the fact it will be so wide will help pro max users as well you will still get good content viewing and opened up will be like iPad mini

It’s still said to be 9mm and it’s said will be 5400-5800 battery so hope that’s true

When the iPad Mini 7 has a 5078 mAh battery and an even larger (non ProMotion) screen than even the inside display of the Fold, just imagine the amazing battery life the Fold will get on it’s outside display while being out and about if it gets such a large battery.

 

[The Game 161]

When the iPad Mini 7 has a 5078 mAh battery and an even larger (non ProMotion) screen than even the inside display of the Fold, just imagine the amazing battery life the Fold will get on it’s outside display while being out and about if it gets such a large battery.

I plan to buy a pro max as well but think my sim will be in the fold for sure. As I get the fold won’t have the video capabilities of the pro max as I use my pro max a fair amount for different videos of my son etc

 

[The Game 161]

I guess is if Apple comes out with a folding phone it’s not going to be liked. many people on this form have already complained about the weight and size of the current iPhone saying it’s too heavy. It’s too big etc. How do you think they’re going to act when they get their hands on a folding phone that’s twice as thick and twice as heavy? I’m definitely not interested in a folding phone and having a plastic screen with a crease down the middle. I realize a folding phone is good for some people, but just not for me.

It’s supposed to be 9mm thin closed and 4.5mm when open. It won’t be as thick and heavy as people think

 

[ToddH]

It’s supposed to be 9mm thin closed and 4.5mm when open. It won’t be as thick and heavy as people think

Folding phones do have a purpose for some people, I'd have to use one for a week or more to find out if I'd like one. The plastic screen with a crease down the center is a turn-off for me becauseits not flat like glass and has a wavy reflective surface. Then there is the use of it for photography, I'm not sure if it will be comfortable to use for that & if the cameras are professional grade. I'm using the Samsung S25 ultra riggt now because the cameras and Expert Raw are much better for my needs over the iphone, A LOT more control. So I don't know if a foldable phone will be a good option for me. The Samsung Z fold 7 is nice looking and very tough, but I don't want one. Will I like the Apple version? Time will tell.

 

[terminator-jq]

Folding phones do have a purpose for some people, I'd have to use one for a week or more to find out if I'd like one. The plastic screen with a crease down the center is a turn-off for me becauseits not flat like glass and has a wavy reflective surface. Then there is the use of it for photography, I'm not sure if it will be comfortable to use for that & if the cameras are professional grade. I'm using the Samsung S25 ultra riggt now because the cameras and Expert Raw are much better for my needs over the iphone, A LOT more control. So I don't know if a foldable phone will be a good option for me. The Samsung Z fold 7 is nice looking and very tough, but I don't want one. Will I like the Apple version? Time will tell.

Supposedly, Apple has figured out a way to drastically minimize the crease. That will definitely be one of the more interesting aspects of this phone. I definitely agree about the plastic cover. Hopefully Apple has found a stronger method that offers more durability.

Camera wise, I’m thinking it gets the same primary lens and telephoto from the iPhone 18 Pro.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

It’s supposed to be 9mm thin closed and 4.5mm when open. It won’t be as thick and heavy as people think

I still am not convinced I would need an iPhone that folds out into the size of an iPad tbh. I am satisfied with a Pro Max size and really hope that remains an option. I dread to think how much Apple will sell a folding iPhone for, considering the Samsung folds are nearly £2k. Theres no way I am paying that sort of money and don't need to. My last folding phone was a Motorola Pebl back in 2005 and I was rather pleased that phones had evolved away from mechanisms that had potential to break over time.

All good to have choice for those that want different things, just so long as Apple don't treat it like its the flagship and give it all the best features over the Pro's.

 

[ReliableSource]

This will be an interesting device for me; first time since since the 6s that I might stray from whatever the Plus/Max model is, but as of right now I don't think it's going to be able to win me over.

I generally think bigger displays are better, but when it comes to iPads, I just haven't found a use for them since I started using the biggest iPhones. I always will either reach for my iPhone which is more comfortable to use one handed, or my MacBook in order to use an even bigger display than my iPad. There's just almost never a time that I'd rather be holding an iPad than an iPhone, and when I'm going to be setting the device down on my lap or a table, well then I might as well just use my MacBook since I'm not holding the thing and I get even more screen space and a better OS.

I don't think I'd be unfolding it for much other than watching video, so I bet more often than not I'd be using it folded, so the folded version would have to feel pretty close to using the current Max sizes to make it worth getting for me.

If the rumors are true that it'll be Touch ID instead of Face ID then all that stuff is moot anyway bc I couldn't go back to Touch ID on a phone, but maybe in a few generations when the hardware gets better there'll be a version that can pull me away from the Pro Max side.