The rumor of a small foldable iPhone looks a lot more real with a rough 3D printed model based on recent leaks created by Mac Rumors. The iPhone Fold is still expected in September 2026, but the presence of a physical model is a reminder that this would be Apple’s biggest iPhone shape change since 2007.
The catch for little cell phone fans is the cover display. The external display is rumored to be around 5.3 to 5.5 inches, with one model using 5.49 inches. This puts the folding phone in the same neighborhood as the iPhone 13 mini, even if the hardware does something completely different.
Open it up and the inner screen should be around 7.6 to 7.8 inches. MacRumors describes a short and wide book-style layout with a 4:3 aspect ratio. That would be smaller overall than an iPad mini, but still larger than any previous iPhone display.
The pluggable part is the selling point
If Apple really wants to win back people who miss smaller phones, this is the most important rumor. The folded device could be shorter than Samsung’s Galaxy Fold phones, suggesting a squat, grippy shape.
Still, pocket comfort isn’t just about a diagonal number. A separate look at the rumored short and wide footprint suggests that it feels good in the hand, but sits uncomfortable in tighter pockets depending on the folded width and thickness.
The mini-compromises are not going away
A foldable design provides a compact feel without having to spend all day on a tiny screen. However, you’ll still rely on the cover display for quick answers, maps, and one-handed scrolling, making Apple’s software choices just as important as the hardware.
The iPhone 13 mini comparison is useful because it shows what can go wrong: interface bottlenecks and battery compromises, depending on how you use it. That tension is still there, even if the inner screen offers you an escape hatch.
What to watch next
MacRumors is clear that the model is not accurate. The hinge is a placeholder, rumors of thickness vary around 4.8mm when unfolded and possibly 4.5mm, and the camera area is still unknown. If Apple can deliver a nearly invisible fold, the hinge could end up being the real headline.
Another practical sticking point is availability. Another report suggests that supply could be so tight that purchasing a device could easily happen by 2027, even if Apple is talking about it in 2026.
