Apple may be gearing up to enter the foldable smartphone market, potentially rivalling industry leaders such as Samsung, Oppo, and Huawei, according to multiple reports. A recent leak on Weibo, the Chinese microblogging platform, has revealed key details about the inner and outer displays of Apple’s rumoured book-style foldable iPhone, which could feature an unprecedented screen ratio.
While Apple has not officially confirmed any plans for a foldable iPhone, the company has been granted several patents related to foldable display technology, suggesting that development is underway.
According to Digital Chat Station, a well-known tipster on Weibo, Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 5.49-inch external cover display, similar to the first-generation Oppo Find N. The leak claims that the device will have a shorter, thicker form factor compared to competitors, making it more compact when folded.
On the inside, the foldable iPhone could boast a 7.74-inch primary display, which reportedly “unfolds like an iPad”, offering a tablet-like experience. The tipster also mentions an unprecedented aspect ratio, suggesting that Apple is developing a unique screen configuration different from existing foldable smartphones.
If the leaked specifications prove accurate, Apple’s foldable iPhone could be positioned as a hybrid device, offering the functionality of both a smartphone and a tablet. This would place it in direct competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, Oppo’s Find N lineup, and Huawei’s Mate X series—all of which follow a book-style foldable design.
While Apple has not officially commented on its foldable smartphone plans, industry speculation suggests:
• A foldable iPhone could launch as early as 2026 • A foldable iPad and MacBook may follow in 2027 • Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple is also exploring a foldable iPad-like device without a visible crease, which could debut in 2028
Additionally, reports indicate that Apple has secured an ultra-thin glass supplier, possibly hinting at the development of a next-generation foldable display for its upcoming devices.