After years of speculation and sideline watching, Apple’s foldable dream may be just around the corner. A new leak out of China adds more weight to the long-running rumors that Cupertino’s first folding phone, unofficially dubbed the iPhone Fold, could debut in 2026. And now, we may finally know what it’ll look like, at least in terms of screen size.
According to well-known leaker Digital Chat Station (via Weibo), Apple’s prototype foldable sports a 7.7-inch main display when unfolded and a 5.5-inch outer screen. That’s a little smaller than previous rumors, which pegged the main screen closer to 7.8 inches, but it still falls neatly into tablet territory.
A foldable iPhone with an iPad-like experience
To put that in perspective, Samsung’s recent Galaxy Z Fold 7 has an 8-inch inner screen and a 6.5-inch cover display. Oppo’s Find N5 goes bigger with an 8.12-inch foldable screen.
So why is Apple dialing things down? The answer might lie in the shape. According to reports, the iPhone Fold will have a 4:3 aspect ratio, basically the same dimensions as an iPad mini. That could mean Apple is targeting a more practical, familiar experience rather than trying to compete with flashy, oversized foldable devices.
There’s more. Digital Chat Station also noted that the prototype has gone through some slimming, aligning with earlier analysis from Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo. When folded, the device could measure between 9mm and 9.5mm thick, slightly chunkier than Samsung’s 8.9mm Fold but still surprisingly slim for a first-gen foldable.
What’s perhaps most Apple-like about all this is the rumored delay. The company is reportedly waiting until it can deliver a nearly crease-free display. We’re not sure when that will become reality, but the tipster suggests that Apple might launch its first foldable next year.
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