Apple watchers have increasingly aligned around one core detail of the much-anticipated foldable iPhone—its screen sizes—with recent leaks suggesting a 5.5-inch external display and a roughly 7.8-inch internal panel. While Apple has yet to officially confirm any specifications, multiple sources now corroborate these dimensions, which could define the device’s user experience and its standing among foldable competitors.
Screen Dimensions: 5.5″ Exterior, ~7.8″ Interior
Research firm TrendForce recently reaffirmed earlier projections from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, stating the iPhone Fold will sport a 5.5-inch outside screen and a 7.8-inch main display inside. These figures precisely match Kuo’s March 2025 insights and echo prior speculation.
Complementing this, respected leaker Digital Chat Station pegged the closer estimation at 7.7 inches internal and 5.49 inches external, noting that the device prototyping process may have led to slight reductions from earlier versions. While minor differences persist, the broader consensus around a 7.7–7.8″ inner and 5.5″ outer display is rapidly solidifying.
How It Compares to Rivals
On paper, Apple’s foldable is slightly smaller than top-tier peers. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers an 8″ inner screen and a 6.5″ outer screen, while Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Oppo’s Find N5 also push beyond the 8″ benchmark on the interior.
Still, Apple appears to prioritize a more compact and polished design. Industry sources expect the Fold to measure between 9–9.5 mm thick when closed and approximately 4–4.5 mm when unfolded—a bit thicker than the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 8.9 mm folded, 4.2 mm unfolded profile.
Why 5.5″ & ~7.8″ May Make Sense
The smaller outer display has raised eyebrows, with some critics calling it “underwhelming” compared to rival models. Both the inner and outer screens appear modest next to major competitors.
But others suggest Apple is striving for a 4:3 aspect ratio, akin to the iPad mini, which may yield a more balanced viewing experience despite the smaller diagonal measurements. Some Apple community forums have added that while 5.5″ sounds compact on paper, its width and aspect ratio could make it comparable in feel to today’s iPhone Pro Max series.
Crease-Free Innovation & Other Rumored Features
Beyond size, the iPhone Fold is expected to use a crease-free inner display, possibly enabled by a laser-drilled metal display layer to diffuse bending stress—a technology reportedly co-developed with Samsung Display.
Additional speculative features include:
- A Touch ID power button instead of Face ID, due to spatial constraints
- A dual-rear camera system, front camera (possibly under-display), and a large battery featuring approximately 5,500 mAh
- A premium price—likely in the $2,000–$2,500 range (approx ₹1.73–2.16 lakh)
- Launch timing pushed to second half of 2026, with staggered release plans possibly pushing some iPhone 18 models into 2027
Summary & Implications
If Apple holds firm on 5.5″ / 7.8″ screen sizes, potential implications include:
- A more pocket-friendly compact device, consistent with Apple’s design ethos
- Possibly better aspect ratio and touch-response, but reduced multitasking space versus competitors
- Strong brand differentiation through crease-free display and custom iOS 27 tailored for foldables
- Potential pricing, hinge durability, and battery life challenges that will be key to consumer adoption
Apple has yet to issue any formal confirmation, so key details—including whether final devices align with these specs—remain uncertain. But with multiple seasoned analysts and leak sources converging on these screen sizes, the 5.5″ external and 7.8″ inner configuration now forms the most credible template for the upcoming iPhone Fold.
Photo Source: GSM Arena
