Apple’s foldable iPhone has received its most convincing leak yet

The foldable iPhone may be closer to reality than ever before. Longtime Apple leaker Sonny Dixon shared what appears to be the case on Monday 3D CAD renderings From the common device. Although the post didn’t provide any evidence that these were official renders from Apple, the design is as restrained as you’d expect from the company. The images correspond to a separate CAD leak from December published by GSMArenamaking this the most confirmed look at the device we’ve seen yet.

The renders show a foldable iPhone shaped like a book, with a wider aspect ratio and more tablet-like when unfolded, resembling an iPad Mini. Although exact dimensions are not included, the proportions appear to match those mentioned in the previous CAD leak, showing a passport-sized phone when folded like the original. Google Pixel Fold. This alone would set Apple’s foldable phone apart from the long, narrow shape taken by foldable devices like the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The back looks like a hybrid of iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air. It has a raised rectangular camera platform at the top, with two cameras, and the Apple logo centered in a flat, square frame that matches the rest of the phone. The two outer corners appear rounded, while the hinge side appears more square. There’s also a punch-hole selfie camera on the cover display, but there are no hints about what kind of camera array is hiding inside the fold.

If the leak turns out to be real, it could also indicate Apple’s timeline for launching the Fold. CAD files are typically created very late in the development process, leading to a September release alongside iPhone 18 probability. These files are often shared with accessory makers so they can begin designing cases.

But this is still not a guarantee that the device will charge exactly as described, or at all. Although rare, Apple has been known to push projects away from development if they’re not quite ready for prime time (e.g. Apple car). Details can change between this stage and final hardware.

Adding weight to the rumors is the supply chain activity already underway. It is said that Apple Selected Samsung screen As the exclusive supplier of foldable OLED panels for the device, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. This is an unusual move for a company that typically distributes production across multiple vendors. Samsung was selected For its technological leadership in reducing screen wrinkles, a detail that Apple has reportedly prioritized, as reported by Digital Trends. Mass production of the displays will reportedly begin around mid-2026, in line with Apple’s typical fall device launch window.

To say Apple is late to the foldable party is an understatement. Samsung launched the first Galaxy Fold phone in 2019, and it is now in its seventh generation, along with six generations of the clamshell model. Galaxy Z Flip Devices, and a Tri-fold Debuting in 2026. Meanwhile, CES And last week Mobile World Congress It has seen a wave of new foldable devices from competitors across a range of prices. Apple has been watching from the sidelines for six years.

But that’s kind of an Apple thing. Rarely does a company lead a category from the starting line; It waits, refines, and then redefines it to release a product that dominates the niche market (with rare exceptions — looking at you, Homepod). If the iPhone Fold arrives this fall as expected, not only will Apple get into the foldable race; It could be a catalyst for the rest of the industry.