Imagine pulling a device from your pocket that unfolds into something resembling an iPad mini, yet feels completely natural in your hand when closed. That’s the promise emerging from the latest CAD leaks of Apple’s first foldable iPhone, codenamed V68. These engineering drawings, sourced from iPhone-Ticker.de, show Apple isn’t just entering the foldable market, they’re rethinking what a pocketable tablet can be.
| 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 |
| Inner Display Resolution | 2,713 × 1,920 | pixels | Near iPad mini pixel density |
| Thickness (Folded) | 9.6 | mm | Including camera bump |
| Thickness (Unfolded) | 4.8 | mm | Excluding camera bump |
| Frame Material | Titanium + Aluminum | — | Mixed construction for durability |
| Target Launch | September 2026 | — | Based on current supply chain timelines |
The Engineering Behind the Magic
What stands out immediately in these CAD renders is Apple’s clear priority, a truly crease free experience. While Samsung and other manufacturers have struggled with visible creases on their foldable displays, Apple appears to have cracked the code with laser drilled microstructures in the display assembly. This isn’t just a minor improvement, it’s the kind of engineering solution that could make the foldable display feel as seamless as a traditional glass screen.
The device measures 9.6mm thick when folded and a remarkably slim 4.8mm when opened. That unfolded thickness beats even Apple’s own ultra slim iPhone Air models. The extra millimeter or so compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, which comes in at 8.9mm closed and 4.2mm open, accommodates the engineering required for that crease free display. It’s a trade off that makes perfect sense when you consider Apple’s typical approach, prioritize the user experience over chasing spec sheet numbers.
A Display That Disappears When You Need It To
Unfold the device, and you’re greeted with a 7.76 inch screen at 2,713 × 1,920 resolution. That’s nearly identical to the current iPad mini’s display real estate, perfect for split screen apps, note taking, or watching content. The wider than tall orientation when folded, at 83.8mm wide and 120.6mm tall, creates a squarer profile that feels less like a traditional phone and more like a mini tablet folded in half.
This design choice has practical benefits you’ll appreciate daily. The wider stance makes it easier to grip horizontally and enables better one handed use when closed. It addresses those common complaints about tall, narrow outer displays on competing foldables that can feel awkward in the hand. When you slide this into your side pocket, it actually fits better than today’s towering smartphone slabs.
How Apple’s Approach Differs From the Competition
Looking at these CAD files, it’s clear Apple studied the foldable market carefully before committing to their first device. The mixed titanium and aluminum frame suggests a focus on durability that matches Apple’s reputation for build quality. Titanium provides structural strength at the hinge points where stress concentrates during folding, while aluminum keeps the overall weight manageable.
The camera setup appears to follow Apple’s typical philosophy, quality over quantity. A dual rear camera system similar to what we expect in the iPhone 17 suggests they’re prioritizing sensor size and computational photography rather than adding extra lenses for marketing purposes. The inner screen features an under display selfie camera with no visible notch, creating an uninterrupted viewing experience for media consumption.
The Daily Experience You Can Expect
Think about your typical day with this device. Morning commute, you’re using the 5.5 inch outer display for quick messages and notifications. Lunch break, you unfold it to watch a video on what feels like a proper tablet screen. Evening planning, you’re splitting the screen between notes and a calendar app. The transition between these modes needs to feel effortless, and that’s where Apple’s software integration will be crucial.
Battery life remains the big question mark with any foldable. The CAD files don’t reveal battery capacity, but Apple’s history with power management in iOS suggests they’ll optimize software to extend usage between charges. The mixed materials in the frame also help with thermal management, important for maintaining performance during intensive tasks on that larger display.
As we’ve seen in previous coverage of Apple’s foldable iPhone developments, the company appears to be taking their time to get this right. These CAD leaks suggest a device that could deliver on the promise we first glimpsed in earlier pocket sized iPad mini concept leaks, creating a genuinely useful product rather than just a technological showcase.
What This Means for the Foldable Market
Apple’s entry into foldables, currently slated for September 2026 based on supply chain information, could reshape the entire category. While Samsung has dominated the premium foldable space, Apple’s approach with a crease free display and iPad mini sized inner screen targets a different use case. It’s less about replacing your phone and more about giving you a tablet that conveniently fits in your pocket.
The wider industry implications are significant. Display manufacturers will need to meet Apple’s quality standards for crease free panels. App developers will need to optimize for this new form factor within Apple’s ecosystem. And consumers will finally have a foldable option that doesn’t feel like a compromise on display quality.
These CAD files represent more than just another product leak. They show Apple’s philosophy applied to the foldable form factor, prioritizing user experience over thinness, display quality over gimmicks, and practical utility over novelty. As we’ve tracked in our coverage of similar Apple foldable developments, the company appears ready to enter the market only when they can deliver something that feels distinctly Apple.
For those of us who’ve been waiting for a foldable that doesn’t ask us to compromise on display quality or daily usability, these leaks suggest the wait might just be worth it. The promise of an iPad mini that fits in your pocket, with a display that doesn’t remind you it’s folding every time you look at it, could finally make foldables feel like the natural evolution of mobile devices rather than a niche experiment.
