| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Display Size | 5.5 | inch | 83.8mm x 120.6mm when folded |
| Inner Display Size | 7.76 | inch | 167.6mm x 120.6mm unfolded |
| Inner Display Resolution | 2,713 x 1,920 | pixels | Near iPad mini pixel density |
| Thickness (Folded) | 9.6 | mm | Includes camera bump |
| Thickness (Unfolded) | 4.8 | mm | Excluding camera bump |
| Frame Material | Titanium + Aluminum | — | Mixed construction for durability |
| Rear Cameras | Dual | — | Similar to iPhone 17 setup |
| Front Camera | Under-display | — | No visible notch on inner screen |
| Expected Launch | September 2026 | — | Codenamed V68 |
Imagine slipping an iPad mini into your jeans pocket. Sounds impossible, right? That’s exactly what Apple’s first foldable iPhone aims to deliver, according to freshly leaked CAD renders that just hit the web. These engineering drawings, sourced from iPhone-Ticker.de, reveal a device codenamed V68 that packs a tablet-sized experience into something that actually fits in your hand, and more importantly, your pocket.
The Pocket-Sized iPad Mini Dream
What makes this leak so compelling isn’t just that Apple is finally entering the foldable space. It’s how they’re approaching it. While competitors have chased ultra-thin profiles, Apple appears focused on solving the fundamental pain points that have plagued foldables since day one. The crease. The awkward outer displays. The feeling that you’re carrying two devices poorly stitched together.
When folded, you’re looking at a 5.5-inch outer display measuring 83.8mm wide by 120.6mm tall. That wider-than-tall orientation is a deliberate choice. It means the device slips into side pockets more naturally than today’s towering smartphone slabs. You can actually grip it comfortably in one hand when closed, something that’s been a consistent complaint about Samsung’s tall, narrow outer displays.
Then you unfold it. The magic happens. That compact package expands to 167.6mm by 120.6mm, revealing a 7.76-inch inner screen with a sharp 2,713 by 1,920 resolution. That’s nearly identical to an iPad mini’s display real estate. Picture splitting your screen between notes and a web browser during a meeting, or sketching out ideas with Apple Pencil support. It’s a proper tablet experience that folds down to phone dimensions.
Engineering Over Thinness
Here’s where Apple’s philosophy shines through. At just 4.8mm thin when open (excluding the camera bump), the device beats even the ultra-slim iPhone Air. But when folded, it measures 9.6mm thick. That’s slightly chunkier than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 at 8.9mm closed and 4.2mm open.
Why the extra bulk? It accommodates the engineering required for what might be the holy grail of foldables: a truly crease-free display. The leaked details mention laser-drilled microstructures, a technology Samsung reportedly couldn’t crack. Apple seems willing to trade a millimeter of thickness for a display that doesn’t remind you it folds every time you look at it.
The mixed titanium and aluminum frame suggests serious durability considerations. Titanium provides structural rigidity around the hinge mechanism, while aluminum keeps weight manageable. It’s the same material strategy we’ve seen in recent iPad Pro and MacBook Pro designs, now applied to the unique stresses of a folding device.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
Comparing this to Samsung’s current foldables reveals two different approaches to the same problem. Samsung has refined the Galaxy Z Fold line to impressive thinness, but the crease remains visible. Apple appears to be prioritizing display perfection over absolute slimness. That extra thickness might just be worth it if you get an uninterrupted viewing experience.
The wider folded stance creates what the leaks describe as a “squarer profile.” It feels less like a traditional phone and more like a mini tablet folded in half. This design enables better horizontal grip and one-handed use when closed. If you’ve ever struggled to type on a tall, narrow outer display while walking, this could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Interestingly, while Samsung continues to push the boundaries with devices like the rumored Galaxy Z Flip 8, Apple seems to be learning from all the mistakes made in the foldable space over the past five years before committing to its first device.
Camera Strategy and Daily Use
Camera specs follow Apple’s typical quality-over-quantity approach. A dual rear setup similar to the iPhone 17 suggests they’re focusing on sensor size and computational photography rather than adding extra lenses. The inner screen features an under-display selfie camera with no visible notch, creating that uninterrupted canvas for media consumption and productivity.
Think about your daily workflow. Morning commute with the device folded, checking notifications and messages on the outer display. Arrive at the office, unfold it to a proper tablet for emails and document editing. Lunch break watching videos on a nearly notch-free screen. Evening planning with split-screen apps. It’s the versatility we’ve wanted from foldables, executed with Apple’s typical attention to the user experience.
The Reality Check
Before you start saving up for a September 2026 launch, there’s an important caveat. As we’ve seen with Apple’s foldable production challenges, bringing a device this complex to market at scale is no small feat. The laser-drilled microstructure technology for crease-free displays represents uncharted manufacturing territory. Supply chain sources suggest yield rates could be challenging initially.
Apple’s foldable strategy has taken years to materialize for good reason. The company appears to have watched competitors stumble through early-generation growing pains, taking notes on what works and what doesn’t. These CAD renders suggest they’re not just entering the foldable market, they’re aiming to redefine what a folding device should be.
The wider industry context matters too. With production timelines facing potential delays, that 2026 launch window might be optimistic. But if Apple can deliver on these leaked specifications, particularly that crease-free display promise, they could instantly become the foldable to beat, despite entering the category years after Samsung and others.
What This Means for You
For consumers, this leak represents the most concrete evidence yet that Apple is serious about foldables. Not as a niche product, but as a mainstream device that could eventually replace both your iPhone and iPad mini. The pocket-sized tablet concept isn’t new, but Apple’s execution might finally make it practical.
The choice between a slightly thicker device with a perfect display versus a thinner one with a visible crease will come down to personal preference. But for many, that uninterrupted screen real estate could be worth the trade-off. Especially when it delivers an iPad mini experience that actually fits in your pocket.
As we wait for more details to emerge, one thing is clear. Apple isn’t just playing catch-up in the foldable space. They’re playing a different game entirely. And if these CAD renders are accurate, it’s a game that could change how we think about mobile devices forever.
