iPhone Foldable Design: Is Apple Going Small on the Cover Display?
For quite some time, the rumor mill has been churning about a foldable iPhone, and 2026 is increasingly looking like the year it might finally happen. However, if the latest leak about the iPhone Fold's display is accurate, Apple's approach to the external screen might feel surprisingly cramped for some users.
Reports suggest that Apple is planning to launch its first foldable device in the second half of next year, featuring a 7.8-inch internal display paired with a smaller 5.5-inch cover screen. This aligns with previous leaks, hinting at a 7.74-inch foldable panel and a 5.49-inch outer display. What does this mean for the user experience? Well, it could be a mixed bag.
This smaller external screen positions the rumored iPhone Fold closer to devices like the original Pixel Fold or OPPO Find N2, which were known for their compact cover displays. While it could make the phone easier to use with one hand, it also means sacrificing some of the quick-access functionality that larger cover displays offer. Think about quickly responding to messages or browsing through apps without unfolding the entire device. It's even smaller than the first-generation Pixel Fold's 5.8-inch outer screen and significantly behind the 6.5-inch display on Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Other speculated details suggest Apple might be prioritizing practicality. For example, there are rumors of a side-mounted fingerprint scanner instead of Face ID and dual 48MP cameras. Also, a custom titanium-and-liquid-metal hinge is expected, aiming to keep the device durable without adding significant weight.
The price? That's still up in the air. With over a year to go and an unstable international trade environment, guessing the cost is tricky.
What's clear is that expectations are already incredibly high and will only intensify by the time of the eventual launch. When the second half of 2026 arrives, Apple will need to deliver something truly special to meet those expectations. I think it's a smart move from Apple to choose practicality instead of bigger size!
Source: AndroidAuthority