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iPhone Fold Leak Reveals 7.7" Screen, Crease-Free Design & 2026 Release

iPhone Fold Leak Reveals 7.7" Screen, Crease-Free Design & 2026 Release

Apple's foldable iPhone, which has been the subject of rumors for years, is finally starting to come into focus. According to credible leaks, we now have some solid details about what to expect from Apple’s first foldable device, the iPhone Fold. Leaked information from China’s top tipster, Digital Chat Station, suggests that the device will feature:

  • A 7.7-inch folding OLED display

  • A 5.5-inch cover screen

  • A virtually crease-free display, thanks to a breakthrough technology by Samsung Display

These features make the iPhone Fold a major contender in the foldable smartphone market, positioning Apple’s entry as a significant leap forward.

iPhone Fold Leak Reveals 7.7 inches Screen

Why This Matters

Why is the iPhone Fold such a big deal? Here’s a deeper look at why these leaks are causing so much excitement:

  • Pocket-friendly size: The iPhone Fold is expected to be smaller and more compact than rival devices like the Galaxy Z Fold, which will make it more convenient for everyday use.

  • 2026 release: Apple’s decision to launch the foldable in 2026 shows that the company is taking its time to perfect the design, ensuring it meets Apple’s high standards.

  • Under-display camera: There’s speculation that the iPhone Fold will feature a hidden selfie camera under the folding screen. While unconfirmed, this would be a major innovation.

iPhone Fold: Leaked Specs & Design

Let’s break down the key specs and design features that make the iPhone Fold stand out.

1. Display Sizes & Aspect Ratio

The main screen will be a 7.7-inch folding OLED display, very similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 but with improvements in clarity and smoothness. The cover screen, which is the exterior screen of the device when it’s folded, will be 5.5 inches—a bit smaller than most foldable Android devices. Apple is focusing on portability, which sets it apart from other foldables that tend to prioritize larger outer screens. This size and design make the iPhone Fold ideal for one-handed use, which is something Apple has emphasized as a key aspect of the user experience.

2. Crease-Free Display: Samsung’s Role

One of the biggest challenges with foldable devices has been the visible crease that forms where the screen folds. Apple’s solution comes with Samsung Display’s Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) and advanced hinge technology, which will ensure that the iPhone Fold’s screen remains crease-free. In addition, laminated layers will help reduce glare and improve the overall durability of the screen. This is an area where Apple is truly differentiating itself from competitors like Huawei and Google, who haven’t yet explored Samsung’s approach in depth.

3. Under-Display Camera?

Rumors suggest that the iPhone Fold might feature an under-display selfie camera. If true, this would represent a significant step in improving the user experience, allowing for a more seamless display without interruptions from notches or camera holes. The main challenge here will be ensuring the camera’s image quality while maintaining the integrity of the foldable screen.

Why a 2026 Release? Apple’s Foldable Journey

Apple’s journey to the foldable iPhone has been long and meticulous. Let’s take a look at the key milestones that have led to the expected release in 2026:

Year

Milestone

2020

Apple files its first foldable iPhone patents.

2023

Prototype testing begins for the foldable design.

2025

Samsung Display finalizes the crease-free technology.

2026 (Q3)

Mass production of the iPhone Fold begins.

 

Apple’s decision to wait for the right moment highlights its commitment to ensuring that the device is durable, free of visible creases, and optimized for iOS. The company has been working on 20,000+ fold tests and has focused on perfecting its crease-free technology with Samsung. Apple has also been fine-tuning the iOS foldable UX to ensure a smooth user experience.

iPhone Fold vs. Competitors

Let’s compare the iPhone Fold with its main competitors in the foldable market:

Feature

iPhone Fold (2026)

Galaxy Z Fold 6

Pixel Fold 2

Inner Display

7.7" (crease-free)

7.6" (slight crease)

7.6"

Cover Screen

5.5"

6.2"

5.8"

Software

iOS Foldable Mode

One UI Fold

Android Fold

Price (est.)

$1,599+

$1,799

$1,399

 

The iPhone Fold’s smaller cover screen (5.5 inches) could be a polarizing feature. Some users will love the compact size, while others might prefer a larger external display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the iPhone Fold have an S Pen? 

A: Unlikely. Apple is more likely to reserve stylus support for iPad-style foldables, rather than incorporating it into the iPhone Fold.

Q: How durable is the crease-free screen? 

A: The early tests suggest that the foldable screen will feature Ceramic Shield coating for enhanced durability. However, real-world performance is still being tested.

Q: Why will the iPhone Fold be released in 2026 and not sooner? 

A: Apple wanted to ensure that the crease-free technology was perfected, and iOS was fully optimized for the foldable experience. Samsung’s technology wasn’t quite ready until now, which is why Apple waited.

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Final Verdict: Should You Wait?

  • If you're excited for Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Fold will deliver a superior crease-free display, a compact, pocket-friendly design, and an optimized iOS foldable experience, making it a groundbreaking device in the foldable market.

  • But with a price tag of $1,600+, it’s a premium gamble. If you're unsure, it’s worth waiting until WWDC 2025 for a sneak peek at the software before deciding. 

  • Either way, Apple’s foldable is a device worth keeping an eye on.