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New CAD renders claiming to show Apple’s much-rumored foldable iPhone paint an unexpectedly squat picture. The mockups, published by a German site, reveal dimensions and details that make the iPhone Fold look shorter and wider than many imagined — and spark fresh questions about how Apple will balance design, durability and display tech.
Shorter, wider — and surprisingly thick when closed
The leaked CAD files list dimensions of 83.8mm x 120.6mm x 9.6mm, with a folded hinge that protrudes about 1.8mm. When opened, the diagonal screen reportedly measures 139.4mm, which works out to a 7.76-inch internal display. That puts the foldable’s main panel just under the iPad mini's 8.3-inch display — a curious move if Apple aims to replace a small tablet experience with a phone that unfolds.
One striking detail: the device is 9.6mm thick when folded, but thins to about 4.8mm when fully unfurled (camera bump excluded). For comparison, Apple’s famously slim iPhone Air is 5.64mm thick. The result, according to the renders, is a device that looks compact side-to-side but chunky once folded.
What the CADs say about the screen and hinge
Aside from size, the renders reinforce other rumors: a book-style fold with a crease-less panel, and a cover screen roughly the size of two stacked iPhone displays. The Information has separately reported a 7.7-inch inner display and a 5.3-inch outer screen — numbers that align closely with these CAD dimensions — and says Apple is sourcing complex specialty glass and materials from suppliers like Corning and SCHOTT.
Key display takeaways
- An inner display near 7.7 to 7.8 inches, 139.4mm diagonal.
- External cover screen around 5.3 to 5.4 inches.
- Crease-minimizing design and a prominent hinge bulge when folded.
Specs and features being whispered about
Beyond CAD measurements, multiple leaks and reports sketch out a premium, high-end foldable. Expected hardware highlights include a next-gen A20 Pro SoC, 12GB of RAM, and Apple’s in-house C2 5G modem. Apple may also swap Face ID for a Touch ID implementation on this model, likely to simplify authentication on a foldable surface.
- Crease-less flexible display technology
- Dedicated vapor chamber for thermal management
- Dual rear cameras with a 48MP main sensor
- Under-display selfie camera up to 24MP
- Battery capacity reported between 5,400 and 5,800 mAh
- Projected launch: H2 2026, eSIM-only variant
- Estimated retail price around $2,399
Analysts expect initial shipments between 7 million and 9 million units in the first year if Apple proceeds. That’s modest compared with flagship iPhone volumes, but reasonable for a new premium category with high production complexity.
Design trade-offs and what this means for users
Think about the trade-offs: a shorter, wider unfolded display could be friendlier for multitasking and media, but the odd proportions might feel unfamiliar in the hand. The thickness when folded suggests Apple is packing structural reinforcement and hinge mechanics that prioritize reliability over wafer-thin portability.
Will buyers accept a bulkier folded phone for a larger, crease-reduced inner display? Or will competitors strike a better balance between proportions and pocketability? If Apple launches with the rumored $2,399 price tag, it will need to deliver clear usability wins to justify that premium.
For now, these CAD renders are another data point in a steady stream of iPhone Fold rumors. If Apple is indeed targeting H2 2026, expect more leaks, supplier hints and prototype shots to follow — and a sharper picture of whether the company will redefine foldable ergonomics or simply iterate on the category.
Source: wccftech
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