Imagine slipping a device into your pocket that unfolds to reveal a near-iPad Mini sized screen, all without that annoying crease that’s plagued foldables for years. That’s exactly what Apple appears to be engineering with its first folding iPhone, codenamed V68, according to freshly leaked CAD renders that have the tech world buzzing.
These aren’t just rough sketches. They’re detailed engineering drawings that show Apple’s meticulous approach to a product category it’s watched from the sidelines. What’s striking isn’t just that Apple is finally making a foldable. It’s how they’re doing it, prioritizing user experience over chasing meaningless thinness records.
| 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 |
| Display Resolution | 2,713 x 1,920 | pixels | Sharp, detailed viewing experience |
| Thickness (Folded) | 9.6 | mm | Includes engineering for crease-free mechanism |
| Thickness (Unfolded) | 4.8 | mm | Excluding camera bump, thinner than iPhone Air |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 83.8 x 120.6 | mm | Squarer profile for better grip and pocket fit |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 167.6 x 120.6 | mm | Expands to tablet-like proportions |
| Target Launch | September 2026 | — | Codenamed V68 in development |
| Frame Material | Titanium + Aluminum | — | Mixed construction for durability and weight balance |
The Display That Actually Feels Like Glass
Here’s where Apple’s engineering patience pays off. While competitors raced to make the thinnest foldables, Apple focused on solving the crease problem that’s bothered users since day one. The leaked details show they’re using laser-drilled microstructures in the display panel, a technology Samsung reportedly couldn’t perfect. This isn’t just about hiding the crease. It’s about making the screen feel like a single, continuous piece of glass when you run your finger across it.
Picture this. You’re reading an article or watching a video, and there’s no visible line down the middle to distract you. The 7.76-inch inner display unfolds to dimensions nearly identical to an iPad Mini, giving you that perfect balance between portability and screen real estate. For split-screen apps, note taking, or just browsing the web, it’s a game changer. The crease-free experience isn’t just a technical achievement. It’s what makes the device actually enjoyable to use daily.
Designed for Real Pockets and Real Hands
Apple’s design philosophy shines through in the folded dimensions. At 83.8mm wide and 120.6mm tall, it has a wider, squarer profile than most foldables. This isn’t an accident. It means the device slips into side pockets without that awkward bulge taller phones create. When closed, it feels more like a mini tablet folded in half than a traditional phone, which actually makes it easier to grip horizontally.
That wider stance pays dividends for one-handed use too. You can actually reach across the outer display with your thumb when it’s closed, something that’s frustratingly difficult with the tall, narrow outer screens on many competing foldables. It’s these little ergonomic touches that show Apple studied what people disliked about existing foldables before designing their own.
The Engineering Trade-Off That Makes Sense
Let’s talk thickness. At 9.6mm folded and 4.8mm unfolded, Apple’s foldable is slightly thicker than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 (8.9mm closed, 4.2mm open). But here’s the thing. That extra millimeter or two accommodates the engineering needed for that truly crease-free display mechanism. It’s a trade-off that makes complete sense when you consider the user experience.
The mixed titanium and aluminum frame isn’t just about premium materials. Titanium provides the structural rigidity needed for the hinge mechanism, while aluminum keeps weight manageable. This isn’t Apple’s first rodeo with material science, and it shows in how they’re approaching the unique challenges of foldable construction. Compared to Samsung’s latest foldable efforts, Apple seems willing to sacrifice absolute thinness for durability and that seamless display experience.
Cameras That Prioritize Quality Over Gimmicks
In typical Apple fashion, the camera setup appears focused rather than flashy. A dual rear camera system similar to what we expect in the iPhone 17 suggests they’re prioritizing image quality over adding unnecessary lenses. But the real story is on the inside.
The inner screen features an under-display selfie camera with no visible notch or punch-hole. When you’re watching movies or video calling, there’s nothing interrupting the view. It’s a clean, uninterrupted canvas that makes media consumption genuinely enjoyable. This attention to detail extends throughout the design, from the carefully considered hinge mechanism to how the device feels in hand both open and closed.
What This Means for Your Next Phone Purchase
If these leaks hold true, Apple’s foldable represents something important. It’s not just another folding phone. It’s a device that learns from years of competitor missteps. The wider folded form factor addresses pocketability concerns. The crease-free display solves the most common complaint about foldables. And the thoughtful engineering choices suggest a product that’s been in development long enough to get the details right.
However, there’s a catch worth considering. Given Apple’s typical production ramp-up for new form factors and the complex supply chain for foldable displays, availability might be challenging at launch. Early adopters should prepare for potential wait times, especially if demand matches the excitement these leaks are generating.
From an industry perspective, Apple’s entry validates the foldable category while potentially redefining what users should expect. They’re not chasing spec sheet victories. They’re solving actual user experience problems. The 2026 timeline gives them room to refine the technology further, and if these CAD renders are accurate, they’re already further along than many expected.
For consumers, the message is clear. The era of compromise with foldables might be ending. When this device launches, you won’t have to choose between a crease-free display and pocketable dimensions. You won’t have to accept awkward outer screens or fragile feeling hinges. Apple appears to be building the foldable that makes sense for how people actually use their devices, not just one that looks impressive on paper. And that, more than any technical specification, is what makes these leaks so exciting.
