Apple’s First Foldable Phone: Specs for Compact Internal and External Displays

Key Takeaways

1. Apple is testing a prototype for a foldable iPhone, featuring a small outer screen and a moderately sized inner display.
2. The expected dimensions include a 5.49-inch outer display and a 7.74-inch inner screen, making it one of the smallest foldable smartphones available.
3. The design is likely to be “book-style,” offering functionality similar to a smartphone and a tablet.
4. Apple aims to optimize software for smooth transitions across different screen sizes, despite challenges with creases and durability.
5. A potential release date for the foldable iPhone is speculated for 2026, but it may take longer for the final product to launch.

Apple enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for a foldable iPhone, and a recent report from Digital Chat Station on Weibo indicates that Apple is in the process of testing a prototype. The information suggests that this new device may include a small outer screen along with a moderately sized inner display, potentially making it one of the smallest foldable smartphones available.

Expected Screen Dimensions

Digital Chat Station shared that the prototype under evaluation features a 5.49-inch outer display and a 7.74-inch inner screen. If this turns out to be true, it would place Apple’s foldable iPhone significantly smaller than rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, both of which have larger outer and inner displays. The 7.74-inch inner display would also make it one of the most compact foldables in the “big fold” category, similar in size to the Oppo Find N2, launched in 2022, which has a 5.54-inch outer screen and a 7.1-inch inner screen. Nonetheless, these measurements are not set in stone, as Apple is likely to be testing several prototypes.

Design and Functionality Insights

This leak supports previous speculations that Apple is developing a “book-style” foldable instead of a clamshell design. This type of design could provide greater functionality, enabling users to toggle between a smartphone and a tablet-like format. Furthermore, Apple’s dedication to optimizing software may give it an advantage, ensuring smooth transitions for apps across different screen sizes. Still, challenges like removing visible creases and ensuring the device’s durability continue to pose significant obstacles. There is speculation about a 2026 release, but given Apple’s careful approach, the final product might take additional time to launch.