Apple’s Foldable iPhone Leak Reveals Thicker Design Than iPhone 17 Pro Max

Fresh leaks have shed light on Apple’s first foldable iPhone, hinting at a slightly thicker design and a unique book-style form factor ahead of its expected global debut.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone Development Gains Attention

Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone segment with its first-ever foldable iPhone. While the company has not officially confirmed the product, industry leaks and insider reports suggest that the device could launch later this year alongside its next-generation flagship lineup.

The foldable iPhone is expected to be marketed under premium branding, possibly as the “iPhone Ultra” or “iPhone Fold,” reflecting its advanced design and positioning within Apple’s ecosystem.

Leaked Schematics Reveal Key Dimensions

According to recent leaks shared by tech blogger Lanzuk, internal schematics of the foldable iPhone provide a closer look at its dimensions and design structure.

The device is said to measure approximately 9.23mm in thickness when folded, excluding the rear camera bump. This makes it slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which reportedly has a thickness of 8.75mm.

When accounting for the camera module, which is estimated to be around 4.46mm thick, the total thickness of the foldable iPhone could reach approximately 13mm at its thickest point.

Book-Style Foldable Design Expected

The leaked diagrams suggest that Apple is adopting a book-style folding mechanism, similar to other premium foldable devices in the market. This design allows the phone to open horizontally into a larger display, offering a tablet-like experience.

When unfolded, the device is expected to measure around 167.59mm in width and 120.59mm in height, indicating a relatively large internal screen suitable for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity.

This wide folding format could position Apple’s foldable as a strong competitor in the high-end foldable smartphone segment.

Camera Module and Exterior Features

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a pill-shaped camera module on the rear, housing dual camera lenses along with an LED flash and a secondary microphone. The placement and design of the camera system suggest that Apple is focusing on maintaining high photography standards even in its foldable lineup.

At the bottom of the device, a USB Type-C port is visible, accompanied by a speaker grille, aligning with Apple’s recent transition to USB-C connectivity across its devices.

Display Design and Cutout Placement

The leaked schematics reveal details about both the external and internal displays of the foldable iPhone.

• The cover display is expected to feature a centre-aligned hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera.

• The internal foldable display appears to include a second hole-punch cutout, positioned in the top-left corner.

These dual cutouts indicate that the device will support selfie cameras on both screens, enhancing usability in both folded and unfolded states.

However, the diagrams do not show any visible placement for Face ID sensors, raising questions about how Apple plans to integrate its facial recognition technology into the foldable design.

Uncertainty Around Face ID and Dynamic Island

One of the most intriguing aspects of the leak is the absence of visible components for Face ID on either display.

Apple’s Face ID system typically requires multiple sensors, which are not evident in the leaked schematics. This has led to speculation about whether the company might:

• Introduce an under-display Face ID system

• Shift to alternative biometric authentication methods

• Modify or eliminate features like the Dynamic Island

The future of the Dynamic Island feature, introduced in recent iPhones, remains uncertain in the context of a foldable device.

Button Layout and Hardware Controls

The foldable iPhone appears to retain a familiar button layout, with some refinements:

• The power button is positioned on the right side

• Volume controls are located on the left side

• The Action Button, introduced in newer iPhones, is also present

Interestingly, the schematics do not show a dedicated Camera Control button, suggesting that Apple may rely on software-based controls or alternative hardware solutions.

Colour Options and Premium Positioning

The device is expected to launch in at least two colour options—black and white—indicating a minimalist and premium design approach.

Given its advanced features and foldable technology, the iPhone Ultra is likely to be positioned as a high-end product, potentially commanding a premium price in the global market.

Competition in the Foldable Market

Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone segment comes at a time when competitors have already established a presence in this space. By focusing on design, performance, and ecosystem integration, Apple is expected to differentiate its foldable offering from existing devices.

The company’s reputation for innovation and user experience could play a crucial role in shaping the adoption of foldable iPhones.

Launch Timeline and Expectations

While there is no official confirmation, reports suggest that the foldable iPhone could debut alongside the next generation of iPhones, possibly during Apple’s annual launch event.

If launched successfully, it would mark a significant milestone for Apple, expanding its product portfolio and entering a new category of devices.

Conclusion

The leaked schematics of Apple’s foldable iPhone provide valuable insights into its design and potential features. With a slightly thicker build than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, a book-style folding mechanism, and dual-display functionality, the device is shaping up to be a premium addition to Apple’s lineup.

However, key questions remain regarding Face ID integration, software features, and overall user experience. As anticipation builds, the tech world will be watching closely to see how Apple redefines the foldable smartphone segment.