Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone is rumored to adopt a book-style design, a form factor that opens horizontally like a small tablet. While this approach is already used by some foldable devices on the market, it remains less common compared to narrower, vertically oriented “clamshell” designs.
Interestingly, Huawei’s latest device, the Pura X Max, appears to follow a similar direction, featuring a wider aspect ratio that more closely resembles the type of layout Apple is reportedly targeting. This design choice emphasizes a broader internal display when unfolded, potentially making the device more suitable for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity-focused use cases.
In the foldable smartphone market, most existing book-style devices prioritize taller, more square-like internal screens. However, a wider aspect ratio—like the one seen in Huawei’s new model—can offer a more traditional tablet-like experience, which may hint at the direction Apple is considering for its own foldable entry.
Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone is still expected to differentiate itself through its hardware refinement and software integration. Reports suggest the company is focusing heavily on minimizing the display crease, improving hinge durability, and optimizing iOS for a dual-screen or expanded workspace experience when unfolded.
While Apple has not officially confirmed any details about the device, comparisons to emerging designs like Huawei’s Pura X Max highlight how manufacturers are experimenting with different aspect ratios and form factors as the foldable category continues to evolve.
Huawei is set to release its new foldable device in China next week, expanding on the design language first introduced with the original Pura X, which was positioned as an extra-wide flip-style phone. The upcoming model, the Pura X Max, appears to evolve that concept further, though details remain limited ahead of launch.
From what has been shown so far, the device includes a triple-lens rear camera system, and Huawei’s promotional materials suggest it can be used comfortably in both portrait and landscape orientations, highlighting its flexible wide-screen design approach. Beyond that, the company has not shared many technical specifics, leaving much of the hardware and software experience still unknown.
Prior to this unveiling, Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone was previously said to resemble devices like the Oppo Find N5 in terms of overall design direction. Interestingly, Samsung is also expected to explore a similar wider aspect ratio approach in one of its upcoming foldable models, suggesting a broader industry shift toward more tablet-like unfolded experiences rather than tall, narrow interiors.
Leaks and reports about Apple’s foldable iPhone continue to paint a clearer picture of its potential design. Dummy models that surfaced recently indicate the device will feature a 5.5-inch outer display when closed, making it smaller than any current-generation iPhone in terms of screen size. When unfolded, it is expected to expand into a 7.8-inch internal display, which is slightly smaller than the iPad mini by roughly half an inch.
Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September, with availability likely following shortly after the flagship launch window. Pricing rumors suggest the foldable iPhone could start at around $2,000, positioning it firmly in the ultra-premium segment. Color options are also expected to be limited, with traditional finishes such as space gray/black and silver/white being the most likely choices.
In terms of branding, there is still uncertainty around what Apple will call the device. While many reports refer to it as the “iPhone Fold,” one rumor suggests Apple may instead adopt the name “iPhone Ultra,” aligning it with its highest-end product positioning strategy.
As competition in the foldable market intensifies, devices like Huawei’s Pura X Max and upcoming models from Samsung highlight how manufacturers are experimenting with wider, more tablet-like formats—setting the stage for Apple’s long-anticipated entry into the category.