Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone is back in the spotlight, with new leaks suggesting the company could deliver one of the thinnest book-style foldables yet – potentially reshaping expectations in a market dominated by Samsung.

New CAD-based renders, reportedly sourced from Apple’s supply chain and shared by Korean tipster yeux1122, point to a folded thickness of around 9.23mm.

This would undercut earlier estimates and bring Apple close to rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, which currently sits at about 8.9mm folded. When factoring in the camera module, however, the device could reach roughly 13mm at its thickest point.

The emphasis on slimness is notable given the engineering challenges associated with foldables, where hinges, batteries and layered displays typically add bulk. Separate leaks suggest Apple may go even further, with some reports pointing to a thickness of just 4.5mm when unfolded – placing it among the slimmest devices in the category.

Beyond dimensions, the device is expected to adopt a book-style design with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch internal screen, effectively turning the handset into a small tablet when opened. Apple is also said to be working on reducing or nearly eliminating the visible crease, a persistent issue across current foldable devices.

Other rumoured features include a dedicated camera control button, a dual 48MP camera system and a possible shift to Touch ID instead of Face ID to better accommodate the slimmer form factor. Software enhancements are likely to borrow from iPadOS, enabling improved multitasking on the larger display.

Pricing is expected to position the device firmly in the premium tier, with most reports suggesting a starting price above US$2,000 (A$3,000). Initial supply could be limited as Apple navigates the complexities of first-generation foldable production.

Apple is widely tipped to unveil the device, potentially branded as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, at its September event alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.