Prime Highlight
- Apple is reportedly planning a foldable iPhone with a much smaller outer display, signaling a design focused more on the inner tablet-like screen than on traditional smartphone use.
- The approach sets Apple apart from rivals, suggesting the device will be positioned as a foldable tablet that fits in a pocket rather than a large foldable phone.
Key Facts
- Leaks suggest the foldable iPhone could feature a 5.3-inch outer display and a 4:3 inner screen similar to the iPad’s aspect ratio.
- Analysts expect the device to cost between $2,000 and $2,500, with a possible launch window in fall 2026 or later.
Background
Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone is again in the spotlight after fresh reports revealed details about its possible screen size and design. According to leaks, the device may come with a 5.3-inch outer display, which is smaller than most smartphones and even smaller than the discontinued iPhone mini.
This news has surprised many industry watchers, as rival foldable phones usually offer large cover screens that users can treat as full smartphones. In contrast, Apple appears to be choosing a different approach.
Designer Ben Geskin recently shared images and videos of a printed mock-up based on the reported size. The model shows that the outer display looks far more compact than those on foldable devices from brands such as Samsung and Huawei.
Reports also say Apple plans to use a 4:3 screen shape for the inner display. This shape matches iPads and makes reading, watching videos and using split-screen apps feel more natural. A smaller outer display may allow Apple to keep this inner layout without turning the unfolded screen into a square shape.
Industry sources say Apple may design the phone so that users depend mainly on the inner display. The folded screen may handle only simple tasks, like checking alerts, replying to short messages, or answering calls. For longer tasks, users would open the phone and use it like a small tablet.
This design choice becomes more striking when viewed against the expected price. Analysts place the foldable iPhone between $2,000 and $2,500, which is around Rs. 1.78 lakh to Rs. 2.22 lakh. At this level, the device would become the most expensive iPhone ever.
Some buyers may question paying such a high price for a phone with a small outer screen. However, reports suggest Apple may position the product not as a large phone, but as a tablet that folds to fit in a pocket.
Apple has not confirmed any details so far. Most reports point to a possible launch in fall 2026, though some analysts believe the timeline could shift to 2027.
