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| Apple iPhone Fold folded. |
The long-rumored Apple foldable iPhone is moving from fantasy to tangible reality, as new leaks provide the clearest picture yet of what Apple—and its arch-rival Samsung—are planning for the future of folding phones. Recent online revelations, including detailed CAD renders and 3D-printed dummy units, suggest both tech giants are converging on a similar, yet distinct, vision: ditching the tall, narrow "book-style" foldable for a shorter, wider "passport" form factor.
For years, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has defined the large-screen foldable category. But the latest leaks indicate that the impending iPhone Fold and a rumored Samsung Wide Fold are charting a new course, taking design cues from devices like the pioneering Oppo Find N.
The Leaks: A Side-by-Side Look at the Future
The most compelling evidence comes from notable leaker Ice Universe, who shared a comparison using what appear to be physical dummy units.
Check out the visual comparison directly from the source.
According to the leaks, both phones will feature an inner display with a boxier 4:3 aspect ratio, a significant shift from the taller displays in current Galaxy Z Folds. This promises a more tablet-like experience when unfolded, naturally suited for watching video or using two apps side-by-side.
Reported Specs at a Glance:
- iPhone Fold: ~5.35" outer display, ~7.58" inner display (4:3)
- Samsung Wide Fold: ~5.4" outer display, ~7.6" inner display (4:3)
The similarities are striking. With nearly identical screen sizes and a shared aspect ratio, both phones are expected to offer a very similar feel in the hand, assuming comparable weight and thickness.
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| Apple iPhone Fold unfolded. |
Diverging Design Philosophies
However, a closer look reveals a key aesthetic divide. While the specs may align, the design languages tell different stories.
The Samsung Wide Fold is depicted with a sharper, more angular aesthetic, consistent with Samsung's recent design ethos. In contrast, the iPhone Fold appears to embrace softer, rounded edges—a design approach reminiscent of the Google Pixel Fold and one that could make it more comfortable to hold.
This divergence highlights how both companies can adopt the same core form factor while retaining their unique brand identities.
Why the "Passport" Style is a Game Changer
This shift isn't just about looks. The wider, shorter "passport" design, first popularized by the Oppo Find N, offers practical advantages that address common user gripes with traditional book-style foldables:
- Compactness: When folded, the phone is significantly less tall and bulky, fitting more easily in pockets.
- Improved Usability: The outer display is wider and more functional for everyday tasks, reducing the need to open the phone constantly.
- Landscape Orientation: Unfolding the device naturally opens into a landscape-oriented screen, which is ideal for media consumption, gaming, and productivity—a orientation many users prefer over the portrait-focused unfolding of current Z Folds.
By prioritizing this form factor, Apple and Samsung are signaling a focus on ergonomics and daily utility, potentially making foldables more appealing to the mainstream.
The Long Road to Release
It’s crucial to temper excitement with patience. Both the iPhone Fold and Samsung Wide Fold are widely reported to be targeting a release in the second half of 2026. With over two years of potential development ahead, plans, designs, and specifications are all subject to change.
As always, treat all rumors, especially those concerning unannounced Apple products, with a healthy degree of skepticism.
While we wait for the foldable future to arrive, you can explore current flagship foldable technology from Samsung and Google.
Shop the latest in foldable tech:The battle for foldable supremacy is entering a fascinating new chapter. If these leaks hold true, 2026 won't just be about who has a folding phone, but about who perfected the shape of folding phones. The wider, more pragmatic passport-style design might just be the key to unlocking the true mass-market potential of foldable devices.
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| Samsung Galaxy Wide Fold folded. |
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| Samsung Galaxy Wide Fold unfolded. |