Imagine slipping a device into your pocket that unfolds into something resembling an iPad mini. That’s exactly what Apple appears to be engineering with its first foldable iPhone, codenamed V68. Fresh CAD leaks give us our clearest look yet at what could be the most polished folding phone experience to date, one that prioritizes seamlessness over sheer thinness.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Display Size | 5.5 | inch | 83.8mm x 120.6mm, wider-than-tall orientation |
| Inner Display Size | 7.76 | inch | 167.6mm x 120.6mm, near iPad mini dimensions |
| Inner Display Resolution | 2,713 x 1,920 | pixels | High pixel density for sharp text and media |
| Thickness (Folded) | 9.6 | mm | Includes hinge mechanism and dual displays |
| Thickness (Unfolded) | 4.8 | mm | Excluding camera bump, thinner than iPhone Air |
| Frame Material | Titanium & Aluminum | — | Mixed construction for durability and weight balance |
| Rear Camera System | Dual | lens | Similar to iPhone 17, quality over quantity approach |
| Front Camera (Inner) | Under-display | — | No visible notch or punch-hole, uninterrupted screen |
| Expected Launch | September 2026 | — | Target release window based on current timeline |
The Pocket-Sized iPad Mini Experience
What strikes you first about these CAD renders is how Apple has rethought the folded form factor. Instead of creating another tall, narrow slab that feels awkward in pockets, they’ve gone wider. At 83.8mm across when closed, the device has a squarer profile that actually fits comfortably in side pockets. It’s a subtle but meaningful design choice that addresses one of the biggest complaints about current foldables.
Unfold it, and you’re greeted with a 7.76-inch display that measures 167.6mm by 120.6mm. For context, that’s remarkably close to an iPad mini’s footprint. Picture using split-screen apps for note-taking while referencing a document, or watching a movie on a screen that doesn’t feel cramped. The 2,713 by 1,920 resolution ensures everything looks crisp, whether you’re reading text or streaming 4K content.
Engineering the Elusive Crease-Free Display
Here’s where Apple’s approach diverges from what we’ve seen from Samsung and other foldable manufacturers. The leaked details suggest Apple is willing to accept slightly more thickness to achieve what might be the industry’s first truly crease-free folding display. At 9.6mm folded and 4.8mm unfolded, it’s not the absolute thinnest. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, for comparison, measures 8.9mm closed and 4.2mm open.
But that extra millimeter or so accommodates what appears to be sophisticated engineering. The leaks mention laser-drilled microstructures, a technical solution Samsung reportedly couldn’t perfect. Think of it as creating microscopic relief points in the display layers that allow the screen to bend without creating that visible crease line down the middle. It’s the kind of attention to detail that could make this foldable feel premium in a way others haven’t quite managed.
This focus on display perfection comes with potential trade-offs, including major supply challenges that could limit availability. Complex manufacturing processes often mean lower yields initially, something Apple will need to navigate carefully.
Build Quality That Feels Substantial
The mixed titanium and aluminum frame suggests Apple is thinking seriously about durability. Titanium offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, while aluminum helps manage costs and thermal properties. In your hand, this should translate to a device that feels solid without being overly heavy. The hinge mechanism, always a point of concern with foldables, will need to withstand thousands of openings and closings while maintaining that crease-free promise.
From a daily use perspective, the wider folded form should make one-handed operation more practical. You can actually grip it horizontally without feeling like you’re going to drop it. And when you do unfold it, the near-square aspect ratio works well for both productivity tasks and media consumption. It’s a balanced approach that doesn’t sacrifice too much in either direction.
Camera Strategy and Daily Usability
Apple appears to be taking a conservative approach with the camera system. A dual rear setup similar to what we expect in the iPhone 17 suggests they’re prioritizing image quality over having multiple lenses just for the sake of it. The under-display selfie camera on the inner screen is particularly interesting. By eliminating any visible notch or punch-hole, you get an uninterrupted viewing experience perfect for movies or video calls.
Think about your typical day with this device. Folded, it’s compact enough for quick tasks like checking notifications or taking calls. Unfolded, it becomes a mini tablet ideal for reading documents, watching videos during your commute, or even light photo editing. The transition between these two modes needs to feel seamless, both physically and in software. iOS will need thoughtful optimizations for this new form factor, something Apple has historically been good at when introducing new device categories.
As we’ve seen with Samsung’s latest foldable ambitions, the competition in this space is heating up. Each manufacturer is taking slightly different approaches to solving the same fundamental challenges.
The Bigger Picture in Display Technology
What’s happening here with Apple’s foldable display technology is part of a broader trend in the industry. We’re seeing companies invest heavily in display innovations that push beyond traditional limitations. Just as micro-RGB TV technology promises to revolutionize home entertainment, these advancements in foldable displays could redefine how we interact with mobile devices.
The laser-drilled microstructure approach Apple seems to be using represents a different technical path than what we’ve seen from display suppliers like Samsung Display. It suggests Apple might be working with alternative suppliers or developing proprietary solutions in-house. This could have interesting implications for the broader supply chain and potentially create new competitive dynamics in the display component market.
What It Means for You
If these leaks prove accurate, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could represent a maturation point for the category. Rather than chasing extreme thinness at the expense of user experience, they appear focused on creating a device that works well in daily life. The crease-free display would address perhaps the most common complaint about current foldables. The pocket-friendly dimensions make practical sense. And the iPad mini-like unfolded experience offers genuine utility beyond just being a novelty.
Of course, we’re still looking at a potential 2026 launch, which means plenty could change between now and then. Manufacturing challenges, component availability, and software development will all play crucial roles in determining the final product. But based on what these CAD renders suggest, Apple is taking a characteristically deliberate approach to entering the foldable market. They’re watching what works and what doesn’t with current offerings, then applying their own engineering philosophy to create something that feels distinctly Apple.
The true test will come when this device moves from CAD renders to real-world testing. How does that hinge feel after six months of daily use? Does the display maintain its crease-free appearance? How does iOS adapt to this new form factor? These are the questions that will ultimately determine whether Apple’s foldable iPhone becomes a mainstream success or remains a niche experiment. But if early indications are anything to go by, they’re approaching it with the same attention to detail that made the iPhone revolutionary in the first place.
