The foldable iPhone could also be nearer to actuality than ever. Longtime Apple leaker Sonny Dickson shared on Monday what seem like 3D CAD renderings of the rumored machine. Whereas the publish did not supply any proof that these had been official renders from Apple, the design is as restrained as you’d anticipate from the corporate. And the photographs line up with a separate CAD leak from December revealed by GSMArena, making this probably the most corroborated have a look at the machine we have seen but.
The renders present a book-style foldable iPhone, with a wider, extra tablet-like side ratio when opened, resembling an iPad Mini. Whereas actual dimensions weren’t included, the proportions seem to match these reported within the earlier CAD leak, exhibiting a squat, passport-size telephone when folded up like the unique Google Pixel Fold. That alone would make Apple’s folding telephone stand out from the tall, slender form taken by foldables just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) March 9, 2026
The again seems to be like a hybrid of the iPhone 17 Professional and the iPhone Air. It has a raised rectangular digital camera platform throughout the highest, with two cameras, and the Apple brand centered in a flat, sq. body that sits flush with the remainder of the telephone. The 2 outer corners seem rounded, whereas the hinge facet seems to be extra squared off. There’s additionally a hole-punch selfie digital camera on the quilt show, however no hints about what sort of digital camera array is hiding contained in the fold.
If the leak seems to be actual, it may additionally trace at Apple’s timeline for the fold launch. CAD information are usually created pretty late within the improvement course of, making a September launch alongside the iPhone 18 a chance. These information are sometimes shared with accessory-makers to allow them to start designing circumstances.
However it’s nonetheless not a assure the machine will ship precisely as proven, or in any respect. Although uncommon, Apple has been identified to shelve tasks far alongside in improvement if they are not fairly prepared for prime time (just like the Apple Automotive). Particulars can change between this section and the ultimate {hardware}.
A mock-up of the iPhone Fold, based mostly on unofficial leaked CAD renders from Sonny DIckson.
Including weight to the rumor is the provision chain exercise already underway. Apple has reportedly chosen Samsung Show because the unique provider of foldable OLED panels for the machine, in line with Korea JoongAng Day by day. That is an uncommon transfer for a corporation that usually spreads manufacturing throughout a number of distributors. Samsung was chosen for its technological lead in minimizing display screen creases, a element Apple has reportedly prioritized, as reported by Digital Traits. Mass manufacturing of the shows is alleged to start round mid-2026, aligning with Apple’s typical fall {hardware} launch window.
To say Apple is late to the foldable social gathering is an understatement. Samsung launched its first Galaxy Fold again in 2019 and is now on its seventh technology, alongside six generations of clamshell Galaxy Z Flip gadgets, and a TriFold debut in 2026. In the meantime, CES and final week’s Cellular World Congress have seen a wave of recent foldables from opponents throughout a spread of costs. Apple has been watching from the sidelines for six years.
However that is type of Apple’s factor. The corporate hardly ever leads a class from the beginning line; it waits, refines after which redefines to launch a product that dominates the area of interest (with uncommon exceptions — taking a look at you, HomePod). If the iPhone Fold lands this fall as anticipated, it will not simply be Apple coming into the foldable race; it may very well be a catalyst for the remainder of the trade.
