Curious about what a foldable iPhone might look like? Thanks to a creative designer and the power of 3D printing, you can now hold a physical mockup of Apple’s rumored foldable device in your hands. This DIY project offers a glimpse into a possible future for the iPhone lineup, and it’s available to anyone with access to a 3D printer.
3D Printing a Foldable iPhone Dummy
Designer and YouTuber
The dummy model is designed to mimic the form factor of a clamshell-style foldable phone, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series. It features a hinge mechanism and a flexible-looking display area, although the printed model is, of course, non-functional. The goal is to provide a tangible representation of the rumored device’s size, shape, and ergonomics.
How to Access and Print the Model
The 3D files are available for free on Thingiverse, a popular platform for sharing 3D printing projects. The model is split into multiple parts to accommodate standard desktop 3D printers, and it includes components for the hinge, body, and screen sections. Users can print the parts using PLA or other common filaments and assemble them using basic tools and glue.
While the model doesn’t include any electronics or moving display parts, it’s a great tool for enthusiasts, designers, and tech fans who want to explore the ergonomics and design possibilities of a foldable iPhone. It can also serve as a conversation starter or a prop for content creators and reviewers.
What This Tells Us About Apple’s Foldable Ambitions
Apple has yet to officially announce a foldable iPhone, but rumors and patent filings suggest the company is actively exploring the concept. Analysts have speculated that Apple could release a foldable device as early as 2025, though no concrete timeline has been confirmed.
In the meantime, concept models like this 3D-printed dummy help fuel the imagination and keep the conversation going. They also highlight the growing role of 3D printing in consumer tech—allowing fans to prototype, visualize, and interact with speculative designs long before they hit the market.
Technizo Concept is known for producing high-quality concept renders and mockups of upcoming tech products. Their work often blends artistic vision with technical plausibility, making them a go-to source for fans eager to see what the future might hold.
The Role of 3D Printing in Prototyping and Concept Design
This project is a perfect example of how 3D printing is revolutionizing product design and prototyping. In the past, creating a physical mockup of a speculative device would have required expensive tooling and manufacturing resources. Today, anyone with a desktop 3D printer and some basic skills can bring a concept to life in a matter of hours.
3D printing is increasingly used by industrial designers, engineers, and hobbyists to test ergonomics, explore form factors, and iterate on ideas quickly. It’s also a powerful educational tool, helping students and makers understand the design process from concept to physical object.
As foldable devices continue to evolve, we can expect more community-driven projects like this one to emerge—bridging the gap between speculation and reality, and giving tech enthusiasts a hands-on way to engage with the future of mobile technology.
Whether you’re a 3D printing hobbyist, a tech reviewer, or just a curious Apple fan, this foldable iPhone dummy is a fun and insightful project to explore.
Source: MacRumors
