Apple's Foldable iPhone Might Feature a Smaller Display than Its Rivals

Apple has long been working on a foldable iPhone and could launch it as early as next year. With leaks and rumours all pouring in, we're now hearing more surprising details about the upcoming Apple device. 

According to Taiwan-based research firm TrendForce, Apple could most likely unveil its foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026 and this launch could be the "turning point" that will boost foldable phones as a mainstream category. The firm also shared that this Apple device could feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. 

At 5.5-inch, the foldable iPhone's external display will be significantly smaller than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's 6.5-inch and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's 6.3-inch panels. For context, the outer display sits just in between the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, with the latter featuring a 4.1-inch external screen. It's even smaller than the outer screen of the first generation Pixel Fold, which came with a 5.8-inch unit. 

As for the inner panel, the 7.8-inch size, while being comparable to the current generation foldables, is still smaller than Samsung and Google's offerings, both of which provide 8-inch displays on the inside. 

With its launch expected in 2026, the foldable iPhone could enter production as early as late Q3 2025 or early Q4 2025, as per recent rumours.  Apple has apparently partnered with Samsung Display for the production of foldable OLED panels for the upcoming iPhone.

It's also expected that both Apple and Samsung could implement laser-drilled display metal plates on their upcoming foldables. These plates will be made by South Korean supplier, Fine M-Tec and are intended to minimise creases by distributing the bending stress for a more "crease-free" experience.