Imagine sliding a device into your pocket that feels like a regular phone but unfolds into something much more substantial. That’s exactly what Apple appears to be engineering with its long-rumored foldable iPhone, and newly leaked CAD files give us our clearest look yet at what could be the company’s most ambitious hardware project in years. Codenamed V68, this isn’t just another foldable, it’s Apple’s answer to the question of how to make a tablet experience truly portable.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Display Size | 5.5 | inch | 83.8mm wide × 120.6mm tall when folded |
| Inner Display Size | 7.76 | inch | 167.6mm × 120.6mm unfolded, near iPad mini dimensions |
| Inner Display Resolution | 2,713 × 1,920 | pixels | High-density panel for sharp text and media |
| Thickness (Folded) | 9.6 | mm | Includes hinge mechanism and display layers |
| 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 | — | Similar to iPhone 17 setup, quality over quantity |
| Front Camera | Under-Display | — | No visible notch or punch-hole |
| Expected Launch | September 2026 | — | Based on current supply chain timelines |
The Engineering Behind the Magic
What immediately stands out about Apple’s approach is the company’s apparent willingness to prioritize user experience over chasing meaningless thinness records. At 9.6mm thick when folded and 4.8mm when open, the device is slightly thicker than Samsung’s current Galaxy Z Fold 7, which measures 8.9mm closed and 4.2mm open. But here’s the thing, that extra millimeter matters.
Apple seems to be using that space for something competitors have struggled with, a truly crease-free display. The leaked details mention laser-drilled microstructures, a technology that Samsung reportedly couldn’t perfect. This isn’t just about avoiding a visible line down the middle of your screen, it’s about creating a seamless canvas that feels like a single piece of glass when you run your finger across it.
The wider folded stance creates what I’d call a “squarer” profile that feels less like a traditional smartphone and more like a mini tablet folded in half. This design choice actually makes practical sense. It’s easier to grip horizontally, and it enables better one-handed use when closed. If you’ve ever struggled with the tall, narrow outer displays on some competing foldables, you’ll appreciate this thoughtful approach.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
When you compare Apple’s rumored foldable to what’s currently on the market, you start to see where the company might be aiming. Samsung has been refining its foldable designs for years, but Apple appears to be learning from everyone’s mistakes before making its first move.
The mixed titanium and aluminum frame suggests Apple is serious about durability without compromising on weight. Titanium provides that premium feel and structural integrity we’ve seen in recent iPhone Pro models, while aluminum helps keep the overall weight manageable. It’s a balancing act that speaks to Apple’s typical attention to material science.
Camera enthusiasts will notice something interesting too. The dual rear setup, reportedly similar to what we’ll see in the iPhone 17, suggests Apple is prioritizing quality over quantity. No triple or quad-camera arrays here, just what’s likely to be a highly optimized system that leverages computational photography. The under-display selfie camera is particularly promising, creating an uninterrupted viewing experience for media consumption and video calls.
The Daily Experience Perspective
Let’s talk about what this device might actually feel like to use day to day. That 5.5-inch outer display gives you enough screen real estate for quick tasks, checking notifications, or replying to messages without unfolding. But when you need more space, that 7.76-inch inner display opens up possibilities.
Picture this, you’re on a flight and want to watch a movie. Unfold the device, and suddenly you have an iPad mini-sized screen with no distracting notch. Or maybe you’re taking notes in a meeting, the larger canvas makes split-screen apps genuinely useful rather than cramped. The resolution of 2,713 by 1,920 pixels means text will be crisp, and images will pop with detail.
The ergonomics matter too. That wider folded form factor should make it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. And when it’s in your pocket, the dimensions mean it won’t feel like you’re carrying a small brick. At 83.8mm wide and 120.6mm tall when folded, it should slip into side pockets more easily than today’s towering smartphone slabs.
Supply Chain Realities and Availability
Here’s where things get interesting from an industry perspective. Apple’s foldable strategy has taken years to materialize, and these renders suggest the company has been watching, learning, and waiting for the right moment. The September 2026 target gives Apple plenty of time to refine the technology and manufacturing processes.
However, as we’ve seen with previous Apple product launches, initial supply might not meet demand. Complex new form factors often face production challenges, and a crease-free display with laser-drilled microstructures sounds like exactly the kind of cutting-edge technology that could have yield issues early on.
From a component supplier standpoint, this device represents a significant shift. Display manufacturers will need to perfect new bonding techniques, hinge suppliers will face unprecedented precision requirements, and battery makers will have to innovate within tight spatial constraints. It’s the kind of project that could reshape entire supply chain segments.
Why This Could Be Different
What makes me particularly excited about this Apple foldable leak is how it reflects Apple’s traditional approach to new categories. The company doesn’t rush to be first, it waits until it can deliver something that feels polished and complete. Remember how late Apple was to the smartphone party, or how it redefined tablets years after early attempts by other manufacturers?
The focus on a crease-free experience tells you everything. Apple knows that visible creases have been a pain point for foldable adopters, and it appears willing to accept slightly more thickness to solve that problem permanently. That’s the kind of user-centric thinking that separates memorable products from forgettable ones.
Software integration will be crucial too. iOS will need thoughtful adaptations for this new form factor, with smooth transitions between folded and unfolded states, intelligent app scaling, and new multitasking paradigms. If anyone can make software and hardware feel like they were born together, it’s Apple.
The Bottom Line for Consumers
For those considering their next device purchase, here’s what matters. This isn’t just a folding phone, it’s potentially a new category that bridges the gap between smartphone convenience and tablet productivity. The rumored specs suggest Apple is targeting the premium segment, so expect pricing to reflect that positioning.
Battery life will be the big question mark. Foldables inherently have less space for batteries than traditional phones, and powering two displays requires careful optimization. Apple’s chip efficiency could give it an advantage here, but we won’t know until we see real-world usage.
Long term usability depends on durability, and that mixed titanium and aluminum frame suggests Apple is taking structural integrity seriously. Hinge mechanisms have been a failure point for some foldables, so watch for details about dust resistance, hinge longevity, and display protection when official information emerges.
What we’re looking at here is more than just another gadget leak. It’s a glimpse into how Apple might redefine what a portable computer can be. By packing an iPad mini experience into something that actually fits in your pocket, Apple could create a device that changes how we think about mobility and productivity. The wait until 2026 might feel long, but if these leaks are accurate, it could be worth it for a foldable that finally feels finished rather than experimental.
