Apple’s Foldable iPhone Might Pick Up Where Pixel Fold Left Off
In a new post on Chinese Social Media platform Weibo, one of the most consistently accurate tech tipsters has revealed what Apple’s first folding phone might look like as well as some specs.
Pixel Fold Form Factor
In the post by Digital Chat Station, we are told that Apple is currently testing a 14.1:10 aspect ratio for their iPhone Fold. At 7.58-inches diagonal, both the size and shape are nearly dead ringers for Google’s first gen Pixel Fold.
Since releasing that Fold, Google has abandoned the landscape tablet approach and moved to a more industry standard squarish inner screen that allows the cover display to maintain a standard phone form factor. Apple’s decision to use this wider-than-it-is-tall form factor might be influenced by their experience with the iPad Mini. This device would open up into a sort of iPad Mini Mini.
One important thing to note is that this inner screen would be noticeably smaller than the competition. Most every Android OEM producing a foldable is using an 8-inch screen or larger. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 is said to be over 8-inches and maybe as large as 8.2-inches.
Of course, this also means that the cover display would necessarily be shorter than a standard phone, with a wider aspect ratio. One of the things many Pixel Fold users loved about that device was that you get a mini phone experience without any of the downsides. For normal daily tasks, the smaller form factor is perfect. It works great with one handed use and doesn’t feel nearly as unwieldy as many modern flagships. And If you need a larger screen, you just open it!
This form factor was one of the most highly praised things about the first gen Pixel Fold and yet Google chose to abandon it after only one release. Exactly why they chose to do that is unknown, but the possibility of Apple bringing it back for their fold is certainly interesting.
Cameras
Another place where Apple’s Fold might lag behind the competition is with the cameras. In this leak, DCS says that they are using two 48MP cameras. Based on the 16 Pro’s use of two 48MP sensors as its primary and ultrawide, it could be that apple is going to forgo the telephoto for the fold.
Also mentioned in the post is Amorphous Metal Glass, which I would assume is Liquid Metal. The phone's hinge has rumored to incorporate liquid metal, also referred to as amorphous metal glass composite, alongside titanium. For context, Liquid Metal, an amorphous alloy known for its high strength, elasticity and corrosion resistance, has been previously used by Apple for smaller components like SIM ejector tools.
While a 2026 launch is rumored, this remains unconfirmed. The device is also rumored to cost between $2,000 and $2,500.