Foldable iPhone could be an iPhone mini that unfolds to iPad mini size

All evidence suggests that Apple is finally preparing to pull back the curtain on its first foldable iPhone in 2026. The device is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 and 18 Pro Max in September, marking a major breakthrough for the iPhone lineup.

Renowned Chinese leaker Instant Digital has now shared additional details about the foldable iPhone’s design and how it may differentiate itself from other iPhones. Given the leaker’s strong track record with Apple products, this latest report could offer a fairly clear picture of what Apple’s first foldable iPhone could look like.

According to Instant Digital, the foldable iPhone’s volume buttons will be on the top right rather than the left. This suggests that Apple may be taking design cues from the iPad mini for its first foldable device.

Additionally, the Touch ID and Camera Control buttons remain on the right side of the device, leaving the left side completely free of any buttons. Instant Digital says this layout is due to the motherboard being located on the right side, as Apple wanted to avoid running cables across the display. This design choice could also free up internal space, potentially allowing Apple to use a larger battery—possibly the largest battery ever used in an iPhone.

The leaker also claims the front-facing camera will be housed in a single punch-hole cutout, potentially resulting in a smaller Dynamic Island. Interestingly, the foldable iPhone’s camera plateau is said to be arranged horizontally, accommodating the rear camera sensors, microphone, and flash. This design is reminiscent of the iPhone Air.

Instant Digital also notes that the foldable iPhone’s camera plateau will be entirely black and may not match the body color. He adds that the device is currently confirmed to launch in white, with Apple expected to offer two color options at release.

If these details are accurate, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could effectively be described as an iPhone mini that unfolds into an iPad mini–sized device. The phone is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover display.

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Posted Tuesday 3 February 2026 at 5:02 am AEST (my time).

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