Apple's long-rumored entry into the foldable smartphone market, tentatively dubbed the iPhone Fold, has taken a significant step from speculation toward reality. Newly leaked CAD-based renders and technical drawings, intended for accessory manufacturers, provide the most concrete look yet at the device's potential form factor. The leaks point to a design philosophy that prioritizes a wide, tablet-like experience when unfolded, setting it apart from the current crop of tall, narrow foldables. This article synthesizes the latest information to explore what these unusual dimensions could mean for Apple's strategy and the future of foldable devices.
The Leaked Design and Its Unusual Proportions
The central revelation from the German outlet iPhone-ticker.de is the iPhone Fold's unconventional shape. When folded, the device is reported to measure 120.6mm x 83.8mm x 9.6mm, creating a compact, almost square-like footprint. This form factor has drawn immediate comparisons to the classic BlackBerry Passport, a device known for its distinctive wide body. The cover display is a 5.49-inch panel with a 1422x2088 resolution, resulting in a tall and narrow 9:13 aspect ratio. This design choice means the phone will look and feel markedly different from any current iPhone or mainstream Android smartphone when closed, presenting a unique identity from the first glance.
Reported iPhone Fold Specifications (Based on CAD Leak):
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inner Display | 7.76-inch, 2713 x 1920 resolution |
| Cover Display | 5.49-inch, 1422 x 2088 resolution |
| Folded Dimensions | 120.6 x 83.8 x 9.6 mm |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 120.6 x 167.6 x 4.8 mm |
| Rear Camera Design | Dual-camera, oval-shaped bar (iPhone Air-like) |
| Front Cameras | Inner: Under-display; Cover: Hole-punch |
| Potential Launch | Unveil: Sep 2026? / Market Availability: Early 2027 (per rumors) |
An iPad in Your Pocket: The Unfolded Experience
The true intent of Apple's design becomes clear when the device is opened. The internal folding screen is said to measure 7.76 inches diagonally with a 2713x1920 resolution. This aspect ratio is far wider than the near-square displays found on competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, much more closely aligning with the proportions of an iPad. This strategic decision strongly suggests Apple's goal is to create a seamless bridge between its phone and tablet ecosystems. By unfolding into a familiar iPad-like canvas, the iPhone Fold could potentially run existing iPad apps without modification from day one, solving a major app compatibility hurdle that has plagued other foldables.
Design Philosophy & Competitive Context:
- Apple's Goal: Create a device that unfolds into a landscape-oriented, iPad-like screen for immediate app compatibility and a familiar tablet experience.
- Key Differentiator: Unusual folded shape (wide/short) and unfolded aspect ratio (wide, not square) vs. competitors.
- Competitor Comparison: Contrasts with the "tall phone to square tablet" approach of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold and Google's Pixel Fold, and the "compact to wide" approach of the Oppo Find N2.
Camera and Hardware Details from the Renders
Beyond the screens, the CAD renders hint at other hardware elements. The main internal display is shown with an outline for an under-display selfie camera, aiming for an uninterrupted view. The cover display, meanwhile, will likely use a more conventional hole-punch cutout for its front-facing camera. On the rear, the renders depict a dual-camera system housed within an oval-shaped bar, reminiscent of the design language seen on recent iPhone Air models. These details, while preliminary, indicate Apple is applying its established design aesthetics and newer technologies, like under-display cameras, to this new form factor.
Market Timing and Speculative Implications
While the design appears advanced, its path to market remains uncertain. Multiple recent rumors suggest the iPhone Fold may not be ready for a consumer launch until early 2027, despite a potential unveiling as early as September 2026. This extended timeline allows for further refinement and aligns with Apple's typical strategy of entering a category only when it feels the technology and user experience are fully polished. If the leaked specifications hold, Apple's entry will redefine the foldable segment not through incremental improvement, but through a fundamentally different approach that prioritizes tablet-like productivity over a traditional phone experience, potentially creating a new niche altogether.