Leaked CAD renders purporting to show Apple’s first foldable iPhone, often referred to as the “iPhone Fold,” have surfaced online, providing one of the clearest glimpses yet into the device’s potential design.
The images, shared by reliable Apple leaker Sonny Dickson on X (formerly Twitter) on March 9, 2026, appear to be based on 3D CAD files. They depict a book-style foldable smartphone that unfolds into a wider, tablet-like form factor rather than the taller, narrower aspect ratios seen in many competing devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
When folded, the device features a compact outer display described in various reports as approximately 5.5 inches, with slim bezels and what looks like a centered hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera. The rear panel showcases a distinctive horizontal dual-camera bar stretching across the top, accompanied by an LED flash—resembling a widened version of the camera island on recent iPhone models but adapted for the hinge and internal layout.
Unfolded, the inner screen measures around 7.8 inches (with some sources citing ~7.7–7.8 inches), offering proportions closer to an iPad mini for enhanced multitasking and media consumption. The renders highlight slim bezels, a seemingly minimal or “creaseless” OLED panel (likely supplied by Samsung Display), and hole-punch cameras on both the cover and main displays.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding the device’s durability, recent supply-chain leaks from January 2026 indicate that the iPhone Fold’s hinge is rumored to be constructed from liquid metal (also known as Liquidmetal).
Apple’s involvement with Liquidmetal (a brand of bulk metallic glasses or amorphous alloys) began prominently in 2010, when it signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies for use in consumer electronics. This gave Apple rights to commercialize the technology, and the company has since been granted numerous related patents (with some filings dating back to around 2008 and grants starting in 2011 onward). That’s approximately 16 years of active engagement, including exclusive licensing, joint patent filings (e.g., with Liquidmetal engineers), and ongoing R&D for production processes.
This material is prized for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high fatigue resistance, and spring-like properties, which could significantly enhance hinge longevity, reduce mechanical stress during repeated folding, and help minimize or eliminate the visible crease on the inner display, a common pain point for current foldables.
This design aligns with longstanding rumors and analyst predictions that Apple has been developing a foldable iPhone for mass production starting in late 2026. Supply chain reports have consistently pointed to a premium positioning, with pricing speculated around $2,200 to $2,400, reflecting advanced components like a crease-resistant display and Apple’s typical high-end build quality.
While Dickson’s track record for accurate Apple leaks lends credibility to the renders, some observers caution that they could stem from early prototypes, case-maker mockups, or even refined fan concepts rather than final production hardware. Previous CAD leaks from late 2025 showed similar elements, suggesting continuity in the design direction.
The emergence of these visuals comes as Apple reportedly aims to differentiate its entry into the foldable market, prioritizing durability, seamless integration with iOS, and a more square-like outer screen for one-handed use.
MacDailyNews Take: Fluid inside, unbreakable outside. Liquid Glass flows across your screen. Liquidmetal endures every fold.
MacDailyNews Note: If the oft-rumored timeline holds, the iPhone Fold could debut alongside or shortly after the iPhone 18 series in fall 2026, ushering in a new category for the iPhone lineup.
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Still cannot believe Apple will release it. It’s un-Apple-like. Apple avoids mechanical complexity and embraces durability. As shown here, it’s complex and fragile (compared to other iPhones). This “Fold” is compromised in Phone mode (when folded), too wide (more than Pro Max), much thicker and heavier, with weirdly-shaped outer screen. AND it’s compromised in iPad mode (when unfolded), with fragile screen material (compared to other iPads) that probably cannot be used with Apple Pencil and will show a crease over time. Apple is obligated to provide 6-7 YEARS of hardware servicing (5 years after model’s end-of-production), with typically even longer software support. It doesn’t even use Face ID, instead going back to Touch ID on a side button. Very high rumored price-tag, just for the folding gimmick that will likely become tiresome for most customers after a week. At the predicted high price, it should somehow provide BOTH the best iPhone and iPad user experiences.
You’ve conjured ‘fragility’ out of thin air. Foldables have become much more durable in the last few years and given that Apple is working with Samsung who pioneered the category you can expect Cupertino is demanding the very best they can offer based off of 7 years of experience shipping Z Folds. “Much thicker and heavier”? Where’d you pull that out of? The iPhone 17 Pro Max is only 0.15 mm thinner than a FOLDED (!) Z Fold 7 (which also weighs 18 grams less than the 17 PM). The folding “gimmick” will be the most sought-after iPhone upsell in the history of the product. People will pay $1000+ extra for their iPhone to also be their iPad Mini instead of a separate mini for ~$500. Sounds terrible for Apple’s profit margins… Man, having an iPhone/iPad hybrid in my pocket all the time is going to be so “tiresome”, I need to take a nap already 😅
You sure cherry-picked my comment. You admit it will be thicker than Pro Max and compare weight (and thickness) with Samsung model of completely different design. My iPad mini folded in half would be much wider than Pro Max, and Pro Max is already too wide to fix comfortably in useful pockets. Width is the wrong dimension for iPhone to be big. You won’t be putting THAT “hybrid” in your pocket, unless you’re a kangaroo. Plus the weird short screen shape in iPhone mode, another compromise you don’t address. It probably won’t work with Apple Pencil, another compromise… It has inferior camera system compared to best iPhone, compromise. iPad mini is the smallest least popular iPad, that’s the one you get as the “most sought after upsell” (or a downgrade)? It doesn’t use Face ID because it won’t fit, compromised by using old-school Touch ID (the method cheaper devices use), you chose to ignore that one too. And because orientation of device changes 90° between iPhone and iPad modes. where is location of inconvenient Touch ID sensor? You don’t refute that it’ll be more fragile “compared to other iPhones” (what I said); you merely claim it’s less fragile than older foldies. This rumored design compromises user experience in many ways as both iPhone and iPad, just so people can pay “$1000+ extra” for the folding gimmick. The reason outside screen grew from notification size to full size is because customers DO grow tired of opening and closing their device.
Those are called vapor-renders.