| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Display Size | 5.5 | inch | 83.8mm wide × 120.6mm tall when folded |
| Inner Display Size | 7.76 | inch | 167.6 × 120.6mm unfolded, 2,713 × 1,920 resolution |
| Thickness (Folded) | 9.6 | mm | Mixed titanium and aluminum frame |
| Thickness (Unfolded) | 4.8 | mm | Excluding camera bump, crease-free display |
| Expected Launch | September 2026 | — | Codenamed V68, iPad mini-sized experience |
| Camera System | Dual Rear | — | Similar to iPhone 17, under-display selfie camera |
Imagine slipping an iPad mini into your pocket. That’s the promise Apple’s first foldable iPhone seems to be making, according to freshly leaked CAD renders that have the tech world buzzing. These detailed schematics, sourced from iPhone-Ticker.de, reveal a device codenamed V68 that doesn’t just fold, it transforms your pocket into a portal to a genuinely useful tablet experience.
What strikes me immediately about these renders is how Apple appears to have solved the pocketability problem that plagues so many foldables. The 5.5-inch outer display measures 83.8mm wide and 120.6mm tall when folded, creating a wider-than-tall orientation that actually slips into side pockets without that awkward, towering slab feeling. It’s a subtle design choice that speaks volumes about Apple’s user-first approach.
The iPad Mini Experience, Unfolded
Unfold this device, and magic happens. The screen expands to 167.6 × 120.6mm, revealing a 7.76-inch inner display with a sharp 2,713 × 1,920 resolution. That’s nearly identical to an iPad mini’s screen real estate, perfect for split-screen apps, note-taking sessions, or catching up on your favorite shows during a commute. At just 4.8mm thin when open (excluding the camera bump), it’s actually slimmer than Apple’s own ultra-slim iPhone Air.
But here’s where Apple’s engineering prowess really shines. The company appears to have prioritized a true crease-free experience over chasing the absolute thinnest profile. The device measures 9.6mm thick when folded and 4.8mm unfolded, slightly thicker than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 at 8.9mm closed and 4.2mm open. That extra millimeter or so accommodates the engineering required for laser-drilled microstructures that Samsung reportedly couldn’t crack.
Build Quality That Feels Like Apple
Pick up this foldable, and you’ll immediately recognize that premium Apple feel. The mixed titanium and aluminum frame suggests durability without excessive weight, while the wider folded stance creates a squarer profile that feels less like a traditional phone and more like a mini tablet folded in half. This design makes it easier to grip horizontally and enables better one-handed use when closed, directly addressing complaints about tall, narrow outer displays on competing foldables.
Picture yourself using this device. You’re waiting for coffee, quickly checking messages on the outer screen. Then you sit down, unfold it, and suddenly you have a proper tablet for reading articles or watching videos. The transition feels natural, not like you’re compromising on either form factor.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
Compared to Samsung’s current offerings, Apple’s approach reveals different priorities. While Samsung’s foldables chase thinness, Apple seems focused on eliminating the crease entirely and delivering that seamless iPad-like experience. It’s a classic Apple move, waiting to enter a category until they can do it their way, with their signature polish.
The camera specs follow Apple’s typical philosophy, prioritizing quality over quantity. A dual rear setup similar to the iPhone 17 suggests computational photography will do the heavy lifting, while the inner screen features an under-display selfie camera with no visible notch. That means an uninterrupted viewing experience for media consumption, something that matters when you’re unfolding a device specifically for larger-screen activities.
The Reality of Getting One in Your Hands
Now for the reality check. While these renders suggest Apple has been learning from competitors’ mistakes for years, actually getting your hands on one might prove challenging. Industry sources indicate that production challenges could make this device feel like winning the lottery until well into 2027. The complex hinge mechanisms, specialized display technology, and Apple’s notorious quality standards create a perfect storm of supply constraints.
From a consumer perspective, this foldable represents more than just another gadget. It’s about having the right tool for the moment, without carrying multiple devices. The outer screen handles quick tasks efficiently, while the inner display provides that tablet immersion when you need it. Battery life will be crucial, of course, and Apple’s chip efficiency will likely play a starring role here.
What This Means for the Foldable Market
Apple’s entry into the foldable space validates the category in a way no other manufacturer could. When Apple commits to a form factor, it signals to the entire industry that this is more than a niche experiment. The company’s supply chain influence could accelerate improvements in foldable display technology across the board, benefiting consumers regardless of which brand they prefer.
Looking at the broader display technology landscape, innovations like micro-RGB technology hint at where mobile displays might head next. Apple’s foldable could serve as a testing ground for advanced display features that eventually trickle down to their entire product lineup.
Ultimately, these leaked CAD renders suggest Apple isn’t just making a folding phone. They’re reimagining what a pocketable device can be, blending phone convenience with tablet utility in a package that doesn’t force you to choose between them. The crease-free display, thoughtful form factor, and iPad mini-sized experience point to a device designed for how people actually use technology, not just for technical specifications. When this finally arrives, it won’t just be another foldable, it’ll be an Apple foldable, and that distinction matters more than any spec sheet could convey.
