Apple’s new iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever. But rumors indicate it won’t hold that title for long. Here’s what’s expected with next year’s even thinner iPhone Fold.
iPhone Fold expected to be 20% thinner than iPhone Air when unfolded
It’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s iPhones. And the expected standout of the fall 2026 lineup will be Apple’s first ever foldable model.
The ‘iPhone Fold,’ for lack of an official name, could be the most radically new iPhone model that Apple has ever made.
Among the rumored new features, it’s expected to be much thinner even than the new iPhone Air.
Here’s a breakdown:
- iPhone Air: 5.6mm
- iPhone Fold: 4.5-4.8mm when unfolded, 9-9.5mm when folded
This 4.5-4.8mm range was reported by analyst Ming Chi-Kuo earlier this year. Apple has likely finalized the specs since then, but Kuo’s estimates are still a solid reference point.
Based on Kuo’s reporting, the iPhone Fold will measure about a full millimeter thinner than iPhone Air when in use, unfolded.
That’s a pretty substantial 20% change compared to an already ultra-thin iPhone Air.
iPhone lineup: depth comparisons
For a little perspective, here’s how the rest of the current iPhone lineup compares:
| Model | Depth |
| iPhone 17 | 7.95mm |
| iPhone Air | 5.64mm |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 8.75mm |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 8.75mm |
| iPhone Fold (unfolded) | 4.5-4.8mm |
| iPhone Fold (folded) | 9-9.5mm |
Cutting around 20% off the size of the already-very-thin iPhone Air will be impressive.
Top comment by Doug
How will they have a usb c port on that? You are about 2.5mm inner dimension. so 1mm of frame on ether side? portless iPhone?
So too will Apple giving the iPhone Fold very close to the same thickness of iPhone 17 Pro when it’s folded.
Essentially, you get an iPhone that feels very comparable to current Pro models when inside your pocket, and ridiculously thin when unfolded and in use.
I have lots of good things to say about this year’s iPhone lineup. But I’m already very excited to see what Apple has in store for users with its long-awaited foldable.
Are you interested in the iPhone Fold? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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