Apple’s Foldable iPhone: Sizing, Rumors, and What We Know So Far
- Apple’s rumored smart display might be the clearest hint yet at a foldable iPhone.
- Forget thin—this could be Apple’s first real step toward foldable dominance.
- A square-shaped gadget “about two iPhones side by side”? Sounds familiar.
Rumors of a foldable iPhone have swirled for years, yet Apple has remained firmly focused on its normal iPhone designs, selling millions of them annually. Meanwhile, Samsung, the leader in the foldable niche, has consistently mocked Apple for its absence in the foldable phone space. However, whispers of a new device in development suggest that Apple's long-awaited entry into foldables could be closer than we think.
Photo via 9to5Mac // A concept render of Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone, inspired by recent leaks and rumors.
Apple’s Software Challenges: A Foldable Future?
Developing software for a compact display like this is no small feat. Scaling apps, optimizing multitasking, and rethinking interfaces are challenges Apple must tackle for foldable devices. This smart display could be a proving ground for foldable-friendly software before such features are integrated into an 8-inch foldable iPhone.
Apple’s rumored smart display borrows concepts from Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and other foldable phones, which feature dual-screen multitasking and edge-to-edge displays. But where Samsung positions foldables as productivity tools, Apple may take a different route—prioritizing simplicity and seamless integration into its ecosystem.
Photo via TechRadar // Samsung may have mocked Apple for not entering foldables, but Apple could still define the category.
Size Matters
Let’s address the elephant in the room: how big will a foldable iPhone be? Gurman suggests Apple’s smart display measures roughly two iPhones side by side. For context, pairing two 4.7-inch iPhones (like the iPhone SE or iPhone 8) creates a 6-inch diagonal screen. Modern foldable designs, however, feature nearly bezel-less displays, meaning a foldable iPhone could easily sport a 7.6-inch display, comparable to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold.
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple plans to release wall-mountable smart displays in 2025. Square in shape, these displays would allegedly look like a square iPad. These devices, with features like a 6-inch screen, speakers, FaceTime cameras, and integrated batteries, could offer insights into how a foldable iPhone might take shape. Gurman describes the device as being about the size of “two iPhones side by side.”
Key Features of Apple’s Smart Display
- Screen: 6-inch display, square-shaped.
- Core Apps: Safari, Music, Notes, and more.
- No App Store: Apps are pre-installed.
- Interface: Dynamic blend of iOS and watchOS, emphasizing voice control.
- Primary Focus: Siri-based communication, home control, and media.
Photo via Apple Scoop // A concept rendering, put together by Apple Scoop, of what an 'Apple smart home display' could look like.
This smart display may not just be a home gadget. It represents an evolution in Apple’s interface design for smaller foldable-style screens. José Adorno, another analyst, suggests this device resembles a compact iPad, but I see it as a stepping stone toward a foldable iPhone.
A Fold-type foldable iPhone is essentially a smaller iPad. – Chris Smith
The Race for Thinness: iPhone 17 Air
While Apple may not release a foldable iPhone until at least 2026, thinner designs are stealing the spotlight in the short term. Tech analyst Jeff Pu reports that Apple plans to introduce the iPhone 17 Air, its slimmest phone yet, in 2025.
iPhone 17 Air Highlights
- Thickness: Just 6mm—beating the current record held by the 6.9mm iPhone 6
- Chip: A19 or A19 Pro built on an advanced N3P process
- Design: Expected to prioritize elegance over groundbreaking features
Photo via Gearrice // A concept rendering of Apple's upcoming ultra-slim iPhone, rumored to be called 'iPhone 17 Air' or 'iPhone 17 Slim'.
At 6mm, the iPhone 17 Air would be 25% thinner than current iPhone 16 models. This relentless pursuit of thinness is quintessential Apple—sometimes to the point of controversy. But while slimming down might grab headlines, many Apple fans remain more interested in the foldable devices Apple has yet to unveil.
Waiting for the Fold
Foldable iPhones remain elusive, but Apple’s rumored smart displays and focus on software optimization suggest progress is being made. For now, Samsung’s foldables dominate a niche market, but the iPhone’s legacy suggests Apple’s eventual foray could redefine the space entirely.
As Apple gears up to introduce its sleekest phones yet, the question remains: Is thinner really better, or is foldable the future?
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Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 20th November, 2024.
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