TL;DR
Recent leaks and 3D-printed mockups imply Apple's long-rumored iPhone Fold could fold into a short, wide handset and open into a small iPad-like tablet. Observers say that would shift design priorities toward a pocketable iPad experience rather than a phone that simply doubles in screen area.
What happened
A string of recent leaks and fan-made models point to an unusual shape for Apple's anticipated iPhone Fold: unusually short and wide when folded, and roughly the size of an iPad mini when opened. The mockups — including a 3D-printed model produced by Stephen Hackett at 512 Pixels and covered by Jason Snell at Six Colors — contrast with rival foldables from Samsung and Google, which look like standard phones when closed and remain taller-than-wide when opened. Commentators argue that, if accurate, the iPhone Fold would represent a device designed as an "iPad you fold up" rather than a conventional phone that unfolds into a larger phone-sized display. The pieces also raise questions about how iOS would be adapted to a wider interior display and whether features from iPadOS, such as advanced windowing, would be needed to realize the form's potential. The mockups may not reflect Apple’s final product, according to the reporting.
Why it matters
- A fundamentally different foldable shape could change how users interact with iPhone hardware and iOS UI paradigms.
- If Apple prioritizes an iPad-like interior display, developers and designers may need new tools and interfaces for wider app layouts.
- Adapting iOS to a tablet-format foldable could push Apple to bring more iPadOS features to the iPhone lineup, altering platform convergence.
- A pocketable device that functions like an iPad could reshape consumer expectations for the practical value of foldable phones.
Key facts
- Leaked designs and mockups suggest the iPhone Fold could be short and wide when folded, and similar in size to an iPad mini when unfolded.
- The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold are cited as contrasts that look like standard phones when folded and remain taller-than-wide when open.
- Stephen Hackett of 512 Pixels created a 3D-printed mockup that has been discussed by Jason Snell at Six Colors.
- Commentary in the reporting frames the potential design as an "iPad you fold up" rather than a phone that unfolds into two phone-sized displays.
- Observers say adapting iOS to a nontraditional, wider interior rectangle could require considerable design work from Apple.
- The report notes hope that iOS 27 might incorporate iPadOS-like windowing features, but this is speculative.
- The article cautions that Apple’s final production design could differ from the current mockups.
- The story was reported by Ryan Christoffel and published Jan. 8, 2026 on the source site.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple’s official iPhone Fold reveal confirms a short, wide folded shape and an iPad-mini-sized interior (not confirmed in the source).
- If iOS 27 will include iPadOS-style windowing or other UI changes to support a wider, tablet-like foldable display (not confirmed in the source).
- Follow-up leaks and hands-on coverage that verify how closely any production unit matches the 3D-printed mockups (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Foldable phone: A smartphone that uses a flexible display and hinge to change between a compact, folded state and a larger, unfolded state.
- iPad mini: Apple’s smaller iPad model, representing a compact tablet-size display used as a reference point for device dimensions.
- Mockup: A physical or digital model made to represent the proposed shape and proportions of an unreleased device for visualization or testing.
- Windowing system: User interface features that let multiple app windows be arranged and resized on a larger display, commonly used on tablets and desktops.
Reader FAQ
Does the leak prove the iPhone Fold will look like an iPad mini?
No — the mockups and leaks suggest that shape, but the reporting states Apple’s final product could look different.
Will iOS be updated to support the wider interior display?
The article raises that question and expresses hope iOS 27 might adopt iPadOS-style windowing, but any specific software changes are not confirmed in the source.
Who made the mockups referenced in the reporting?
Stephen Hackett at 512 Pixels produced a 3D-printed mockup discussed in coverage by Jason Snell at Six Colors.
Are competitors’ foldables similar in design?
The report contrasts Apple’s rumored shape with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which are described as looking like standard phones when folded and taller-than-wide when open.
Apple confirms Chase takeover for Apple Card and reveals new details Chance Miller Jan 7 2026 IPHONE IPHONE FOLD iPhone Fold might be more like an iPad than an iPhone…
Sources
- iPhone Fold might be more like an iPad than an iPhone
- iPhone Fold and iPhone Air 2: Launch Date, Price, Screen …
- iPhone fold mockup emerges from CAD leak
- Hands-On With a Rough iPhone Fold Mockup
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