iPhone Fold: No Face ID, Short Cover Display
We’ve been tracking the rumors surrounding the mythical "iPhone Fold" for some time now. In our previous coverage, we looked at general timelines, and more recently, we compared the rumored screen sizes to current market leaders like the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold.
We have seen specific dimensions rumored before, but those numbers appear to be in flux. A new, highly detailed report from prominent leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS) has just arrived to upend some of what we thought we knew about Apple’s approach to foldables.
If this leak is accurate, Apple isn't just making an iPhone that bends; they are aiming for a radically different, ultra-thin form factor that requires major compromises.
Here is the breakdown of the new intel and how it changes the picture.
The Shrinking Outer Screen
We knew Apple was testing a "wide" aspect ratio, but earlier leaks pointed toward a slightly larger cover display. While leaks have been locked onto 7.58-inches for the inner screen, we had last seen 5.38-inches for the outer. This newer post drops that a touch.
Outer Screen: ~5.25-inches
Inner Screen: ~7.58-inches
A 5.25-inch outer screen is incredibly small by modern standards. For context, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a 6.4-inch outer display. Even the iPhone 13 Mini had a 5.4-inch screen.
This suggests Apple isn't just making a "wide" phone; they might be aiming for a truly pocketable, compact notebook form factor that expands into a 7.6-inch tablet. This would be a stark departure from the massive folding bricks currently dominating the sector.
New Tech: Under-Panel Cameras (UPC)
While the form factor shifts are interesting, the biggest new technical detail in this leak is the camera implementation.
The inner screen will reportedly feature a UPC (Under Panel Camera).
This means no notch and no Dynamic Island on the main folding display—just an uninterrupted 7.58-inch canvas. This would be a first for Apple, catching up to technology Samsung has been iterating on and abandoning with the Galaxy Z Fold series.
Thin Biometrics
DCS also backs up the reports we've discussed regarding biometrics: the device is slated to use side-mounted Touch ID.
The leak reiterates that the decision to skip 3D Face ID and ultrasonic fingerprint sensors is entirely purely practical. The goal is to "keep the body thin." It appears the sensors required for Face ID are simply too thick for the ultra-slim chassis Apple is designing to compete with thinness kings like the Oppo Find N5, Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Honor Magic V5.
DCS notes that the hinge design is "very strong" and that this device is expected to "revitalize the foldable market next year." Rather interestingly, he also seems to indicate that a Chinese OEM might beat Apple to the punch on a wide foldable this year. Once such Chinese OEM that could be set to release this kind of foldable is Motorola.
The picture of the iPhone Fold is getting clearer, but also more unique. It seems Apple isn't trying to make a folding iPhone Pro Max. Instead, they seem to be designing an ultra-portable, specialized device. Something smaller than an iPhone Mini on the outside, but like an iPad Mini on the inside.