Apple’s 2026 iPhone Fold Could Ditch the Tall Screen for a Tablet Layout

Apple’s 2026 iPhone Fold Could Ditch the Tall Screen for a Tablet Layout

Apple’s first foldable iPhone may differ significantly from Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold. A recent report indicates that Apple is testing a wider internal display for its 2026 iPhone Fold, which will unfold into a shape more akin to an iPad than a traditional smartphone.

Most Android foldables feature tall, narrow inner screens, making tasks like tablet use feel cramped. In contrast, Apple aims to create a wider aspect ratio similar to that of the largest iPads when the device is opened. The current prototype is expected to have a 7.7-inch inner screen and a 5.3-inch outer display, making it slightly smaller than Pro Max models when closed, but closer to an iPad mini when unfolded. Additional leaks suggest dimensions of 5.25 inches for the external display and 7.58 inches for the internal one.

This wider screen design is advantageous for landscape content such as videos, games, and split-screen applications. Instead of a centered punch-hole camera, Apple has reportedly placed the front-facing camera in the top-left corner of the inner display, allowing for a cleaner main content area in full-screen tablet mode.

Concept designs depict a book-style fold with flat frames and slim bezels, focusing on creating a device that unfolds into an iPad-like screen while maintaining familiarity for iPhone users. Samsung is also rumored to be developing a wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 in a similar direction, but the specifications for the iPhone Fold 2026 are not yet finalized, and screen sizes and aspect ratios may change before launch.

Apple is actively addressing the crease issue that affects current foldables and has delayed production multiple times to refine the design. Earlier reports suggested the device would resemble two iPhone Airs combined, but the current wider tablet approach indicates that Apple is still exploring various layouts.

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