Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to launch in September under the name iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold, will feature a wider design than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and retain the controversial camera control button from recent iPhone models.
Apple’s foldable will be wider than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 when folded
Leaked dummy cases show Apple adopting a wider form factor for its foldable, differing from the narrower profile of most flagship foldables including the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold Wide may match these dimensions, but the standard Z Fold 8 is expected to retain the sharper corners and proportions of the Z Fold 7. Apple’s design leans toward rounded edges, while Samsung maintains its angular aesthetic.
Camera control returns despite user criticism and space constraints
Even with limited internal room in the ultra-slim unfolded form, Apple is retaining the camera control button, a feature many iPhone 16 and 17 owners found useless or inaccurate. The leaker Instant Digital says Apple kept it to enable one-handed zooming, settings adjustment, and photo capture, though critics argue the wider phone still requires two hands for effective use.
Apple used advanced glue to minimize the visible crease in its foldable display
TrendForce reports Apple solved the crease issue through a combination of ultra-thin glass with variable thickness, chemical strengthening, and a key innovation: optically clear adhesive (OCA) with viscoelastic properties. This specialized glue remains soft during gradual bending to reduce fatigue and stiffens under sudden force to support the panel, while its micro-flow fills microscopic irregularities to reduce light scattering and crease visibility.
For more on this story, see Apple Foldable iPhone: Production, Design, and Potential Delays.
Apple’s foldable will have fewer rear cameras than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8
Leaks indicate the iPhone Fold will feature only two rear cameras, compared to the expected three on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The rumored Galaxy Z Fold Wide also shows two cameras, aligning with Apple’s configuration. This difference may affect photography versatility despite Apple’s software optimization.
This follows our earlier report, iPhone Fold: Design Leaks, Features, and Latest Rumors.
Will the iPhone Ultra fit in a standard pocket despite its wider design?
Apple’s wider foldable design may improve pocketability compared to taller, narrower foldables, though its increased width could still pose challenges in tighter pockets depending on the user’s clothing and carry habits.
Is the camera control button on the iPhone Ultra likely to be useful given user feedback?
While Apple intends the button to enable one-handed camera operations, many users of the iPhone 16 and 17 series found it inaccurate and unnecessary, suggesting its utility may remain limited without significant software enhancements.