Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone is starting to take shape, and recent reports suggest that it could come with a 7.8-inch internal display paired with a 5.5-inch external cover screen. It appears that the company is targeting a different form factor than what other contenders are doing in the industry. Apple's rendition will offer both immersive usability when unfolded and convenient portability when closed, something the company has been carefully evaluating for years.
Apple’s foldable iPhone may ditch industry trends with a unique book-style design, 7.8-inch inner display, and 5.5-inch cover screen
According to TrendForce, Apple is moving cautiously with this product category, as it is placing extra emphasis on durability and crease. The company's engineers are experimenting with advanced technologies like laser-drilled metal plates beneath the display to minimize creasing, an issue that all foldable smartphones are currently going through, and users have been complaining of the same aspect since the category was originally introduced. This shows that Apple is not content with matching the competition but aims to redefine what a premium foldable experience should be like.
The outer 5.5-inch screen is compact enough to allow quick, one-handed interaction with apps, which includes dealing with calls, text messaging, and checking notifications. The internal 7.8-inch display, when unfolded, will deliver a tablet-like experience which is ideal for those seeking productivity, entertainment, and multitasking. Moreover, gaming on a bigger screen would also be an ideal approach for users. The company will work with developers to take advantage of the bigger display working together with the external display.
Apple's approach is quite profound, as it is not building something for the sake of innovation, but something that derives meaningful use cases that complement its ecosystem. TrendForce believes that Apple's foldable will likely see daylight in the second half of 2026, citing the company's strict component and design validation process. Moreover, Apple appears to be in no rush either, as it prefers to enter the space once it has a polished product with a reliable experience. The company is familiar with being late in the industry, but when it does, it makes sure that the products take the lead in almost every single way, and the Apple Watch and AirPods are perfect examples in this regard.
From a market perspective, Apple's foldable iPhone could dramatically shift expectations, as most Android foldables struggle with durability and user interface quirks. The company will potentially raise the bar for all foldables in terms of design and usability, as the company will release dedicated software-based features for the foldable category. Currently, the closest option to Apple's rumored iPhone design is the Huawei Pura X, in my opinion, but it has significantly smaller external and internal displays. However, in terms of form factor and the general design, we believe that Apple's rendition will be pretty similar.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
