This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
There have been rumors about a foldable iPhone for years. While other manufacturers such as Samsung and Huawei have long since brought models with a folding mechanism onto the market, Apple has so far held back. Now, however, there is a new leak that provides concrete information about screen sizes and the possible release date. However, the new information contradicts earlier reports. What is behind this leak and what does it mean for the future of the iPhone Fold?
Apple has not yet made an official statement about a foldable iPhone, but numerous patents indicate that the company is researching this area. The rumor mill has been swirling since 2019, but so far there has been no tangible indication of when and if Apple will actually launch a foldable device. The latest leak now brings new details into play - including information on the screen size and the release date. However, this information contradicts previous leaks, which raises questions about its credibility.
New display sizes compared to previous leaks
The well-known Weibo leaker “Digital Chat Station” wants exclusive Information on about the iPhone Fold. According to him, the device will have a 5.49-inch external screen and a 7.74-inch internal screen. This would make the foldable iPhone smaller when unfolded than previously thought. Previous reports spoke of a total size of over 12 inches, which would mean that the folded iPhone would be about the same size as two folded 6.1-inch models. This discrepancy raises questions. It is possible that Apple is testing various prototypes and there is no final decision on the size of the display. The leak describes the design of the iPhone Fold as comparable to the Oppo Find N. This smartphone also has a foldable display with a more compact form factor than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. If Apple opts for a similar design, the iPhone Fold could be a more suitable alternative to the often bulky foldables from other manufacturers.
Is the iPhone Fold really coming in 2026?
According to Digital Chat Station, Apple could present its first foldable smartphone as early as 2026. This information is consistent with earlier reports that did not expect a possible release before 2026. But there is one ambiguity in the leak: In addition to a foldable smartphone, there is also talk of a foldable tablet. The question arises whether Apple is working on two separate devices or whether this is just a misleading translation. It is conceivable that the iPhone Fold is designed so that it reaches the size of a small iPad when unfolded.
Such a solution would allow Apple to develop a device that combines both smartphone and tablet functions. Although the 2026 schedule seems realistic, it remains questionable whether Apple will actually launch its foldable iPhone at that time. The company is known for only introducing new technologies when they are mature. If Apple is not yet satisfied with the stability of the foldable display or with the software optimization, the release could be delayed further.
Apple is demonstrably researching folding technology
Although Apple has not yet presented a foldable iPhone, there are numerous indications that the company is working intensively on this technology. Several patents show that Apple is developing various mechanisms for flexible screens. A crucial point will be the durability of the display. Previous generations of foldable smartphones often had to contend with problems such as visible creases and mechanical wear. Apple may have developed a new solution that avoids these weak points. A sophisticated display design would be a decisive advantage over the competition, which still has to make compromises in this area.
What does the leak mean for the future of the iPhone Fold?
The new information from Digital Chat Station raises more questions than it answers. While the alleged release date of 2026 seems plausible, it remains unclear what shape the iPhone Fold will actually have. The conflicting information on the display size suggests that either different prototypes are being tested or that there is no final design decision yet. The fact is that Apple has been researching foldable displays for years and has filed numerous patents in this area. Whether and when the iPhone Fold will appear remains uncertain - but it is more likely than ever that Apple will bring such a device to market at some point. (Photo by Unsplash+ / Ruliff Andrean)
- When will Apple release a foldable iPhone, iPad & MacBook?
- iPhone 18 Fold: Rumors, facts and first details
