iPhone Fold Design Leaked: Touch ID Returns and iPad Mini-Style Buttons

As the window for Apple’s projected September launch event narrows, the outline of the company’s first-ever foldable smartphone is becoming increasingly distinct. New intelligence surfacing from the Chinese social media platform Weibo suggests that the so-called “iPhone Fold” will depart significantly from traditional iPhone ergonomics, adopting a hardware architecture that shares more DNA with the iPad Mini than the iPhone 17.

According to the reputable tipster “Instant Digital,” Apple’s engineering team has been forced to rethink the device’s button configuration to accommodate the complexities of a folding chassis.

A New Ergonomic Philosophy

The most striking revelation concerns the physical controls. The leak claims that Apple is abandoning its standard layout; the volume rockers will reportedly be relocated to the top-right edge of the device. This mirrors the configuration found on the iPad Mini, a design choice necessitated by internal hardware constraints. The report indicates that the motherboard has been positioned on the right side of the handset, and Apple engineers opted to avoid routing complex cabling across the hinge to the left edge. Consequently, the left side of the device will remain entirely button-free.

The right edge, however, will be busy. It is expected to house the power button—which will reportedly integrate a Touch ID sensor rather than relying solely on Face ID—alongside the new Camera Control button, a feature introduced in recent flagship generations.

The “iPhone Air” Aesthetic

Visually, the device appears to be borrowing cues from the rumored ultra-thin “iPhone Air.” The rear chassis will reportedly sport a dual-camera system mounted on a dedicated plateau, accompanied by an LED flash and a microphone.

Notably, the tipster asserts that Apple is making a bold aesthetic choice regarding the camera module. Regardless of the device’s body color, the camera housing will supposedly be finished entirely in black. This creates a high-contrast, “panda” aesthetic, particularly on the rumored White colorway, which is one of only two color options expected at launch.

Internals and Display

On the front, the foldable is expected to utilize a single punch-hole cutout for selfies and FaceTime, maintaining a clean look similar to current models. Beneath the surface, the leak points to a sophisticated “stacked” internal design. This architecture is crucial for foldable devices, as it allows Apple to maximize internal volume and fit a larger, high-density battery—addressing one of the most common complaints regarding foldable smartphones.

With a rumored debut slated for this September, likely alongside the iPhone 18 lineup, the iPhone Fold is shaping up to be a device that prioritizes slimness and battery life, even if it means retraining muscle memory regarding button placement.