Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone may be inspired by the Google Pixel Fold rather than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. While many expected Apple to follow the trend set by Samsung’s book-style foldable, recent leaks suggest that Apple’s design could lean towards a wider, more compact form factor.
According to a report from Digital Chat Station, Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 5.49-inch cover display and a 7.74-inch main foldable screen. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 has a 6.3-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, while the Google Pixel Fold sports a 5.8-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch foldable screen. If these reports are accurate, Apple’s foldable device could have a wider aspect ratio, making it more practical for everyday use.
Apple may avoid the clamshell design
Speculation about Apple’s first foldable device has been swirling for years, with conflicting reports on its potential design. In December 2024, The Wall Street Journal claimed that Apple’s foldable iPhone would have an inward-facing display larger than the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max. Display expert Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), also suggested that Apple is unlikely to go with a clamshell-style flip phone design.
However, a report from The Information in February 2024 contradicted this by stating that Apple was working on at least two prototypes featuring a clamshell-style folding mechanism, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Since this report surfaced much earlier, Apple may have shifted its plans.
A foldable iPhone is still years away
While leaks and reports continue to paint different pictures of Apple’s foldable ambitions, one thing is clear—it won’t launch anytime soon. Analysts predict Apple is at least a year from unveiling any foldable device, leaving plenty of time for design changes and refinements.
Apple is known for taking its time with new product categories, often perfecting technology before bringing it to market. Given the durability concerns surrounding foldable screens and hinge mechanisms, Apple may be working to ensure its devices are more reliable than its competitors.
For now, Apple fans must wait and see what the company has in store. Whether it follows the Pixel Fold’s design or explores new territory, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is bound to make waves when it finally arrives.
