Imagine slipping a device into your pocket that unfolds to reveal nearly eight inches of pristine screen real estate. That’s exactly what Apple appears to be engineering with its long-rumored foldable iPhone, codenamed V68. Fresh CAD leaks give us our clearest look yet at what could be the most significant iPhone redesign since the original model debuted in 2007.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Display Size | 5.5 | inch | Wider-than-tall orientation for better pocket fit |
| Inner Display Size | 7.76 | inch | Near iPad mini dimensions when unfolded |
| Inner Display Resolution | 2,713 x 1,920 | pixels | Sharp density for text and media |
| Folded Dimensions | 83.8 x 120.6 | mm | Compact enough for most pockets |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 167.6 x 120.6 | mm | iPad mini-like footprint |
| Folded Thickness | 9.6 | mm | Including camera bump |
| Unfolded Thickness | 4.8 | mm | Thinner than current iPhone Air models |
| Expected Launch | September 2026 | — | Based on current supply chain timelines |
A Design That Actually Makes Sense for Pockets
What immediately stands out about Apple’s approach is the folded form factor. At 83.8mm wide and 120.6mm tall, it’s designed with a wider-than-tall orientation that slips into side pockets without the awkward tower-like profile of today’s slab smartphones. When you pull it out, the device feels less like a traditional phone and more like a mini tablet folded in half.
This isn’t just about aesthetics. The squarer profile makes it easier to grip horizontally, enabling better one-handed use when closed. It directly addresses the most common complaint about competing foldables, those tall, narrow outer displays that force constant unfolding for basic tasks. Apple seems to have studied the market carefully, learning from years of Samsung’s foldable experiments before committing to its own design language.
The Crease-Free Promise
Here’s where Apple might actually deliver something competitors haven’t. The leaked CAD renders suggest the company is prioritizing a truly crease-free experience over being the absolute thinnest device on the market. At 9.6mm thick when folded and 4.8mm when open, it’s slightly thicker than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 (8.9mm closed, 4.2mm open).
That extra millimeter matters. It accommodates the engineering required for what appears to be a revolutionary display approach using laser-drilled microstructures that Samsung reportedly couldn’t crack. Imagine unfolding the device to reveal a perfectly flat surface, no visible ridge down the middle, just uninterrupted glass from edge to edge. For note-taking, split-screen apps, or media consumption, this could be transformative.
Build Quality That Feels Like Apple
The materials tell a familiar Apple story. A mixed titanium and aluminum frame provides the durability foldables desperately need while maintaining that premium handfeel Apple customers expect. The hinge mechanism, though not detailed in the leaks, likely incorporates years of research into minimizing wear while ensuring smooth, consistent opening and closing motions.
Camera specs follow Apple’s recent philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity. A dual rear setup similar to what we expect in the iPhone 17 suggests computational photography advancements rather than sensor count. More interesting is the inner screen’s under-display selfie camera with no visible notch, creating that uninterrupted viewing experience Apple’s marketing team will undoubtedly highlight.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
Compared to Samsung’s latest foldable efforts, Apple’s approach feels deliberately different. Where Samsung has chased thinness, Apple appears focused on durability and display perfection. Where Samsung offers multiple camera arrays, Apple seems content with fewer, better-optimized sensors. It’s a classic Apple move, entering a category late but with a refined take that addresses early adopters’ pain points.
The timing is also telling. A September 2026 launch gives Apple nearly two more years of development, suggesting the company wants to get this right rather than rush to market. In the meantime, we’re seeing significant advancements in mobile processors, including next-generation chip technology that could power these complex folding displays efficiently.
The Daily Experience
Picture your typical day with this device. Morning commute, you’re reading articles on the outer display, its 5.5-inch screen perfectly sized for quick consumption. Lunch break, you unfold it to watch a video on what feels like a miniature iPad, the crease-free display making content pop. Afternoon meetings, you’re taking notes with the Apple Pencil on that expansive inner canvas. Evening, you’re video calling family with the under-display camera invisible during the conversation.
It’s this seamless transition between form factors that could make Apple’s foldable compelling. Unlike tablets that stay in bags or phones that strain eyes with small text, this device adapts to your needs moment by moment. The wider folded stance means you can actually type comfortably on the outer display, something that’s frustrating on today’s narrow foldables.
What This Means for the Industry
Apple’s entry into foldables validates the category in a way no Android manufacturer could. When Apple commits to a form factor, it signals to component suppliers, app developers, and consumers that this is here to stay. We’ve seen this pattern before with touchscreen smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
The broader implications for Apple’s product lineup are fascinating. Does this eventually replace the iPad mini? Does it create a new category between phone and tablet? How does iOS adapt to these dual displays? These are questions Apple has likely been wrestling with for years, and the CAD leaks suggest they’re approaching the challenge with characteristic deliberation.
What’s clear from these renders is that Apple isn’t just making another foldable. They’re rethinking what a pocketable computer should be in 2026, blending iPhone convenience with iPad utility in a package that finally makes the folding concept feel mature rather than experimental. The wait until 2026 might feel long, but if these leaks are accurate, it could be worth it for a device that gets the fundamentals right from day one.
