Dec 21, 2025
3 min read
The unfolded iPhone Fold could be close to the size of the iPad mini, with a 7.76-inch screen and a larger-than-expected form factor
Apple's next foldable smartphone may surprise you with its unexpectedly large dimensions when opened, resembling an iPad mini more than two iPhones placed side by side.
According to online leaks and CAD drawings allegedly published by German website iPhone-Ticker.de, the iPhone Fold will have wider proportions than the Cupertino company's regular phones and a slightly different design compared to its competitors.This is information that, if confirmed, will determine the expectations of Apple's first smartphone, which is expected at the end of 2026.
The technical schematics show that each half of the device is 83.8 millimeters wide and 120.6 millimeters tall, with a small 1.8 millimeter hinge protruding from the side when closed.
These numbers tell a certain story: the iPhone Fold would be more compact and wider than traditional models, considering that the iPhone Air is only 74.7 mm in width and 156.2 mm in height.The design choice seems to be aimed at increasing the experience of using the device with the device open and partially sacrificing ergonomics in closed mode.
The diagonal of the external display is 5.49 inches, with a resolution of 2088 by 1422 pixels, which confirms previous rumors about a 5.5-inch screen. This additional display will have an unusual aspect ratio by iPhone standards, which when folded matches the more rigid proportions of the device. The configuration reflects a different philosophy than competitors such as Samsung, which maintain elongated proportions even when closed.
When fully open, the iPhone Fold would reach a diagonal of 7.76 inches, which would be significantly closer to the 8.3 inches of the current iPad mini.The internal display would also have a higher resolution, with 2,713 x 1,920 pixels compared to 2,266 x 1,488 on the iPad mini.This choice of size suggests that Apple intends to create a device that can act as a true compact tablet when opened, rather than just an extension of a smartphone.
The question of thickness represents one of the most interesting aspects of the project.The diagram shows the main body of 9.6 millimeters when closed, excluding the photography module, while when open it is reduced to only 4.8 millimeters.To put these values in context: the iPhone Air has a thickness of 5.64 millimeters and the iPad Pro M4 up to 5.1 millimeters.The difference between the closed state and the open state may come from a new hinge design developed by Apple.
The Californian company seems determined to avoid the common problem of folding: the irregular rise in the middle of the screen after prolonged use.The technical solution is not to fold the screen in on itself, but rather to bend it slightly at the intersection.This technology reduces mechanical stress on the frame, maintains its integrity over time, and guarantees a better visual experience compared to competitors.
The design will use the hill shown with the iPhone Air, the protrusion that helps to create a perfect phone by focusing on the equipment in the raised area.In the leaked schematics, this architectural element will house two rear cameras instead of just one, in contrast to recent rumors about a sensor for the release model.An option that, if confirmed, will bring the iPhone Fold closer to the Pro models in terms of shooting capabilities.picture.
What is also interesting is the presence of two front cameras, one for each screen, with an internal screen placed on the side and not in the middle.It's unclear whether Apple will use Dynamic Island on this device or choose a new method.The translator also shows the speakers and USB-C port on only half of the device, a detail that seems impossible for an original product where stereo audio can be taken for granted.
It should be noted that these CAD designs may come from accessory manufacturers who prepare cases and guards prior to official unveiling.Apple has historically limited technical information to a small circle of trusted partners, which was unprecedented.It's worth noting that no one outside of Cupertino knows the final design until the official unveiling, but the handset is close to launch and has to be confirmed.
If these specs are accurate, Apple will take a unique path into the foldables market.While rivals like Samsung have refined integrated shapes, Apple appears to want to create a hybrid: a device that transforms into a large but manageable smartphone when closed, and a small tablet optimized for productivity when opened.An ambitious approach that could redefine expectations about what a foldable smartphone looks like.
