Apple has yet to release its first foldable iPhone, but the company’s long-term plans for the device are already becoming part of the rumor cycle. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple could increase the size of both displays on the third-generation version of its foldable iPhone Ultra.
That information arrives well before the third-generation model is expected to launch, so Apple’s plans could change considerably. Still, the report provides an early look at how Apple may evolve its foldable iPhone after the first two generations.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is currently expected to feature a book-style design with two displays. Current reports point to a 5.5-inch outer screen and a roughly 7.8-inch internal display with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The combination would give the phone a relatively compact screen when folded while providing a larger, tablet-like workspace when opened.
The rumored display specifications include:
- Outer display: 5.5 inches
- Inner display: Around 7.8 inches
- Inner display aspect ratio: 4:3
- Design: Book-style foldable
- Future change: Larger outer and inner displays on the third generation
Gurman did not provide specific screen sizes for the third-generation iPhone Ultra. He also did not indicate that Apple plans to increase the display dimensions on the second-generation model, which is expected to arrive after the first foldable iPhone.
The timing is important because Apple’s first foldable iPhone is still more than a month away, according to the current reports surrounding the device. That means there is a long development period between the expected first-generation launch and the third-generation model discussed by Gurman.
Apple is also entering a market where screen size is closely tied to the overall foldable design. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series has already established the large inner-screen format, while other manufacturers have experimented with wider cover displays and different aspect ratios.
Apple could take a different approach by keeping the first-generation iPhone Ultra relatively compact on the outside and using a 4:3 internal display for a larger workspace. If the company later decides that customers want more screen area, increasing both panels would be a logical change.
The first-generation foldable iPhone remains the model that matters most right now. Apple has not officially confirmed the device, its name, display specifications, or launch details. As a result, the reported 5.5-inch and 7.8-inch sizes should still be treated as unconfirmed information.
The third-generation iPhone Ultra is even further away, giving Apple plenty of time to change its design. For now, the latest report suggests that Apple may begin with a relatively compact foldable before moving toward larger displays in future generations.
