Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is no longer just a whisper in the wind. New leaks suggest it will have a very thin design and could launch later this year. While the company has yet to confirm any details, multiple reports suggest the device, often referred to as the “iPhone Fold” or “iPhone Ultra,” could mark Apple’s biggest hardware shift in years.
According to Forbes, mockups of the foldable iPhone have appeared online, giving people a first look at its design. A video from YouTube channel Max Tech shows off the prototypes, which are said to be very similar to Apple’s upcoming hardware, similar to how previous dummy units accurately predicted the iPhone 17 series.
Passport-shaped phone designed to fit in your pocket
The leaked model number suggests a book-style foldable phone with a wider and shorter profile, closer to a passport than a traditional smartphone. In the video, Max Tech’s Vadim Yuryev claims that the device measures around 11mm when folded and just 5.5mm when unfolded (excluding the camera bump). If accurate, this would make each iPhone thinner than many existing iPhones.
Digital Trends quoted tipster yeux1122 as saying that the phone may be thinner when folded, with a thickness of about 9.23 mm. However, the camera module is expected to add significant bulk, with the thickness likely to increase to nearly 13mm in some areas.
In addition to size, the leak also hints at a dual-lens rear camera, a large external display, and a tablet-like internal screen that could rival compact devices when opened. Early reports also suggest that despite the slim form factor, Apple may retain hardware features like dedicated camera control buttons.
Start-up time related to leadership transition
Interestingly, the timing of the foldable iPhone may be related to Apple’s shift in leadership. As Mark Gurman noted in Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, the company is reportedly planning to unveil the device under incoming CEO John Ternus.
This is consistent with Tim Cook’s decision to step down and transition to executive chairman later this year. As a result, the foldable iPhone could be the defining product moment of Apple’s next era of leadership.
what happens
While specs haven’t been confirmed, it’s rumored to feature a 5.5-inch exterior screen and a larger 7.8-inch interior screen, as well as multitasking features that may be inspired by the iPad. The pricing is expected to exceed US$2,000, firmly placing it in the ultra-high-end market.
If these leaks are true, Apple’s first foldable device could arrive as early as September 2026, potentially redefining the company’s product lineup and setting the stage for the next decade of innovation.
