For years, tech enthusiasts and Apple loyalists have speculated about the possibility of a foldable iPhone. Rumors have circulated, patents have been spotted, and concept designs have surfaced, but Apple has remained tight‑lipped. Now, fresh leaks and CAD renders suggest that the long‑awaited iPhone Fold could finally make its debut in 2026. What’s exciting is that the leaked design hints at a book‑style foldable device that looks strikingly similar to the Google Pixel Fold, yet with Apple’s signature refinement — including a noticeably minimal crease.
🔍 The Rumor Mill: Apple’s Foldable Journey
Apple has traditionally taken its time before entering new product categories. While Samsung, Huawei, and Google have already launched foldable smartphones, Apple has been quietly perfecting its approach. According to recent leaks, the iPhone Fold is not just a concept anymore — it’s shaping up to be a real product. The renders, shared in a FrontPageTech (FPT) YouTube video, showcase a sleek foldable iPhone with proportions that lean closer to the Pixel Fold than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
📐 Design Renders: Wide Display With Compact Outer Screen
The leaked CAD renders reveal two distinct displays:
- Outer Screen: A compact 5.5‑inch panel, perfect for quick tasks like messaging, notifications, or calls.
- Inner Display: A large 7.8‑inch foldable screen, designed for immersive experiences such as gaming, streaming, and multitasking.
This design mirrors the Pixel Fold’s proportions, making the iPhone Fold appear familiar yet distinctly Apple. The external screen is slightly larger than Samsung’s rumored Galaxy Wide Fold, which is expected to feature a 5.35‑inch cover display. Meanwhile, the inner display dimensions are nearly identical across both devices, highlighting how Apple is positioning its foldable to compete directly with Samsung and Google.
🔄 Rounded Corners vs. Square Edges
One subtle but important design difference lies in the R‑angle — the curvature of the corners. Tipster Ice Universe claims that while Samsung’s Galaxy Wide Fold will have a more squared‑off design, Apple’s foldable will feature rounded corners. This may sound minor, but Apple has always emphasized ergonomics and aesthetics. Rounded edges not only make the device more comfortable to hold but also align with Apple’s design language seen in the iPhone 15 series and iPads.
📊 Slimmer Than the Competition
One important consideration in foldable devices is thickness. Foldable phones are sometimes criticized for feeling heavier than conventional phones. It appears that Apple has resolved this issue:
Folded iPhone Folded thickness: 9 mm; unfolded thickness: 4.5 mm
Z Fold 7 Galaxy 8.9 mm when folded and 4.2 mm when unfolded
Folded Pixel 12.1 mm when folded and 5.8 mm when unfolded
According to these figures, Apple may have a competitive advantage if the iPhone Fold is much thinner than Google’s Pixel Fold. Better mobility, greater pocketability, and a more upscale feel are all associated with a slimmer profile.
✨ Minimal Crease: Apple’s Secret Weapon
One of the biggest challenges in foldable technology is the crease — the visible line that appears where the screen folds. Most foldable phones, including Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, struggle to minimize this crease. Apple, however, seems to have developed a unique solution.
According to Jon Prosser of FPT, the iPhone Fold may use a combination of:
- Pressure‑Dispersing Metal Plate: Distributes stress evenly across the hinge area.
- Liquid Metal in the Hinge: Adds flexibility and durability while reducing visible lines.
- In‑Cell Touch Panel: Integrates touch sensors directly into the display, ensuring accurate touch response even at the fold.
This engineering approach could result in a flatter surface with a less pronounced crease, making the iPhone Fold stand out in a crowded market.
📱 User Experience: What to Expect
If these leaks hold true, the iPhone Fold will deliver a user experience that blends Apple’s ecosystem with cutting‑edge hardware:
- Seamless Multitasking: Larger inner display for split‑screen apps.
- Compact Portability: Outer screen for quick interactions.
- Premium Build Quality: Rounded corners, slim profile, and minimal crease.
- Optimized Software: iOS redesigned for foldable functionality, possibly with new multitasking gestures.
Apple’s history of integrating hardware and software suggests that the iPhone Fold won’t just be another foldable — it will redefine how foldables should feel and function.
⚔️ Competition: Samsung and Google in the Crosshairs
The foldable market is currently dominated by Samsung, with Google entering the scene recently. Apple’s entry in 2026 could shake things up dramatically. By offering a slimmer design, minimal crease, and Apple’s ecosystem advantages (like iCloud, iMessage, and seamless integration with Macs and iPads), the iPhone Fold could attract both loyal Apple fans and new customers curious about foldables.
📅 Expected Launch Timeline
While Apple has not officially confirmed the iPhone Fold, multiple leaks suggest a 2026 release window. This timeline aligns with Apple’s cautious approach — waiting until foldable technology matures before entering the market. By then, Apple could deliver a product that not only matches but surpasses existing foldables in terms of usability and design.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- The iPhone Fold is rumored to feature a 5.5‑inch outer screen and 7.8‑inch inner display.
- It will likely be slimmer than the Pixel Fold, making it more portable.
- Apple’s unique hinge design could result in a minimal crease, solving a major foldable pain point.
- Rounded corners differentiate it from Samsung’s square‑edged Galaxy Wide Fold.
- Expected launch: 2026, marking Apple’s official entry into the foldable smartphone market.