A foldable iPhone may be moving closer to a design that tries to balance two very different priorities at once: a large inner display for serious multitasking and a compact body that still feels like a phone when closed. The latest mockup circulating online suggests Apple is aiming for exactly that combination, with a screen that reportedly approaches the size of an iPad mini when opened.
The visual leak was shared by tech YouTuber Vadir Yuryev and has drawn attention because it points to a device that could blur the line between smartphone and small tablet. Apple has not introduced a foldable model yet, so any credible design hint naturally attracts heavy interest from people watching the company’s next hardware move.
A tablet-like screen in a phone-sized shell
According to the mockup, the inner display of the foldable iPhone is designed with a viewing area close to that of a small tablet when unfolded. That kind of layout would make it easier to run two apps at the same time, which is one of the main advantages of a larger foldable screen.
This approach would give Apple a new category of device within its lineup. It would remain portable in daily use, but it would also offer a wider workspace once opened, something many users now associate with larger-screen foldables.
The fold is said to be less visible
Another rumor tied to the device focuses on the crease. Reports suggest the fold may be nearly invisible, although the wording stops short of claiming it disappears entirely.
That detail matters because visible creases have remained one of the main weaknesses of foldable phones. If Apple can reduce the effect significantly, the device may look more refined than many foldables already on the market.
Possible debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup
The same mockup also appears alongside changes rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The foldable model is said to be introduced together with the iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro at a September launch event.
That would place the foldable phone inside Apple’s broader next-generation iPhone rollout rather than as a separate experiment. It would also make the device part of a larger product refresh, instead of a standalone surprise release.
Thicker body tied to camera changes
The mockup further suggests a change in the thickness of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Vadir Yuryev said the device is thicker because of camera system upgrades, and the design shown on his channel reflects that adjustment.
Based on the figures mentioned in the report, the iPhone 17 Pro Max measures about 11.23 mm including the camera bump. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to reach around 11.54 mm, showing a small but noticeable increase linked to the new optics layout.
Camera upgrades remain a major theme
Apple’s camera plans for the iPhone 18 Pro also continue to draw interest. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the device will feature a variable aperture on the main camera.
That function would allow the lens opening to adjust dynamically, helping the camera respond better to different lighting conditions. If that feature arrives as described, the next iPhone generation could stand out not only for design changes but also for more flexible photography.
Market interest is already building
Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman has said the foldable iPhone is not expected to face a major delay. His view adds another layer of attention around the device as the foldable market continues to expand.
IDC has projected that the global foldable phone market could grow by as much as 30% in 2026. Against that backdrop, a foldable iPhone with an iPad mini-sized display, a compact folded shape, and a refined crease treatment would become one of Apple’s most closely watched hardware rumors.