iPhone Fold design details revealed in new leak

Fresh details about Apple's first foldable iPhone have surfaced online, revealing key design elements including button placement, camera layout, and color options for the rumored September launch.

A tipster has now revealed key design details of the so-called iPhone Fold, which is rumored to debut in September this year. According to the leak, the iPhone Fold will feature volume buttons positioned on the top-right edge, a layout similar to that of the iPad mini. This layout is reportedly due to the motherboard being positioned on the right side, with Apple opting to avoid routing cables across to the left edge.

Meanwhile, the power button with integrated Touch ID and the Camera Control button are said to be positioned on the right edge of the device. The tipster adds that the left side of the foldable will remain completely button-free. This asymmetrical button layout represents a significant departure from traditional iPhone designs and suggests Apple is optimizing for the unique form factor of a foldable device.

On the front, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature a single punch-hole camera for selfies and video calls. Around the back, it will reportedly sport a dual-camera setup housed in an iPhone Air–style camera plateau, accompanied by an LED flash and a microphone. The tipster further claims that the rear camera module will be finished entirely in black, contrasting with the body rather than matching its color.

The iPhone Fold is said to launch in two color options, one of which will be white. Apple's foldable iPhone reportedly features a stacked design on the inside, which makes space for the large battery. This internal stacking approach appears to be Apple's solution for maximizing battery capacity while maintaining the slim profile necessary for a foldable device.

The design choices revealed in this leak suggest Apple is taking a measured approach to its first foldable iPhone. Rather than reinventing the form factor entirely, the company appears to be adapting its existing design language to accommodate the folding display. The iPad mini-style button layout and iPhone Air camera plateau indicate Apple is drawing from its current product lineup rather than creating entirely new design elements.

This leak comes amid growing speculation about Apple's foldable ambitions. Previous reports have suggested the device could pack Apple's biggest smartphone battery yet, while other leaks have hinted at a liquid metal hinge mechanism. The September launch window aligns with Apple's traditional iPhone release schedule, though some analysts have speculated the foldable might debut later to ensure the technology is mature enough for Apple's standards.

The button placement strategy revealed in this leak is particularly interesting from an engineering perspective. By positioning the motherboard on the right side and avoiding cable routing across the device, Apple may be addressing one of the key challenges in foldable design: maintaining signal integrity and durability while accommodating the folding mechanism. This approach could also help with heat dissipation, as the motherboard would be positioned away from the folding crease where heat could potentially affect the display.

As with all leaks, these details should be taken with caution until officially confirmed by Apple. However, the consistency of recent leaks about the iPhone Fold suggests we may be getting an increasingly clear picture of what to expect from Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market. The design choices revealed so far indicate a device that prioritizes Apple's signature aesthetic while incorporating the functionality required for a foldable form factor.