Ahead every iPhone release event, case manufacturers generate dummy units to see if their cases will fit properly. We’ve got our hands on these faked iPhone 18 Pro and folding iPhone models, so let’s take a look.
The dummy unit “industry” is bigger than ever this year, as you’d expect when there are three flagship models coming out, not just two. In recent weeks we’ve seen 3D prints and metal blanks, of what case manufacturers think that iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and folding iPhone will look like.
It’s also crucial to recognize that these are just useful to visualize the design and size of the new units. They give zero insight into the internals of the phone or what features it may support.
iPhone 18 Pro
Let’s look at the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max first.
A dummy model of the rumored iPhone 18 Pro Max in a dark cherry color
As the rumors suggested, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will keep almost exactly the same form factor as the iPhone 17 Pro. Taking some calipers to these models, they’re almost exactly the same size as last year’s flagships.
A real iPhone 17 Pro (left) vs iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy unit (right)
Side by side, the plastic dummies are nearly indistinguishable. We’ve heard that there may be some minor differences in the camera bump. It’s hard to tell with certainty here because of the poor tolerances on the engineering sample plastic.
Comparing the dummy iPhone 18 Pro Max next to our iPhone 17 Pro, we couldn’t tell much of a difference at all in the camera bump size. Perhaps the final models will have some slight tweaks here, but case manufacturers are already repackaging existing cases for the iPhone 17 Pro to suit.
So, right now, it seems that new cases will be backwards compatible, but not all older iPhone 17 cases will be forward compatible. Cases for iPhones are a billion-dollar industry, and it can be risky to start producing cases early when there may be these slight deviations.
The most likely way to tell an iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max device from an older one will be the colors. As it has ever been, there has been a lot of debate around the final colors.
It seems a dark cherry red will be in the mix, and our dummy unit has a version of this rumored dark red color. It looks nice, but it’s probably not for everybody.
It’s too early to judge though, as this is just based off the rumor. Don’t expect Apple’s color to perfectly match, or have the same semi-gloss finish.
One question we’ve had is on the Dynamic Island and whether or not it will see its size adjusted. Dummy units though, still can’t tell us anything on below-the-screen components.
The folding iPhone
More interesting to users is likely Apple’s long-rumored folding iPhone, commonly referred to as iPhone Ultra. Compared to early 3D printed models or dummies, our dummy is far more finished.
A dummy model of Apple’s rumored foldable with the Camera Control and power button
It has working hinges, pressable buttons, and a more polished camera plateau. Looking at the rear cameras, it does seem that aside from the wide and ultra-wide lenses, we’ll see a True Tone flash and possibly LiDAR located just to the right of the lenses.
On this dummy unit, the cameras stick out quite a bit
We’re unsure if the depth of the camera lenses is accurate, but if so, they stick out quite a bit. Since the body of the phone is so thin, and the plateau is thinner than on the iPhone Air, it makes the lenses protrude quite a bit on their own.
Top volume buttons and speaker on Apple’s rumored foldable, visualized with a dummy unit
There are the volume buttons on top of the right side when open. Camera Control and power are on the right edge, and USB-C is on the bottom-left when open.
When unfolded, the speakers are on opposite corners of the device. This should allow for stereo or possibly even Spatial Audio. This will help Apple avoid the problem of one-sided audio, which is a major complaint about the iPhone Air.
On the inside, the screen shows a fold down the middle, something Apple is rumored to have mostly solved on the real thing. You can see a small camera coming through the screen in the top-left corner.
Holding a dummy unit of Apple’s rumored folding iPhone
We’re not too concerned about what we feel is a flaw in the model. When closed, the hinge side has sharper corners, which isn’t super comfortable when held in the left hand.
The corners opposite the hinge are rounded, which do fit nicely into your palm while holding the dummy. It will be interesting if Apple chooses to round the right two corners of the display but keeps the left ones at a right angle, or if it rounds all four.
Otherwise, the form factor feels excellent in the hand. The exterior screen is a perfect size to reach all four corners with one hand and the interior screen is big and spacious, just a bit smaller than an iPad mini, and perfect for split-screen apps.
The Dynamic Island may get smaller, but the dummy doesn’t tell us anything
If the prevailing rumors are accurate, this foldable will lack Face ID. It’s said that the device is too thin, but that doesn’t make a lot of sense, given that the iPhone Air has it. We’ll see.
Not only can we not determine if there is any TrueDepth camera system behind the display, we can’t tell which button may house the Touch ID sensor. It could theoretically be behind the screen too.
In all likelihood, if included, Touch ID will be contained in the power button, the same as it is on the iPad mini.
A dummy foldable iPhone (left) versus a real iPhone Air (right)
When opened, as you’d expect, the foldable is about as thin as the iPhone Air.
Camera plateaus on a real iPhone Air (left) versus a dummy unit for the foldable iPhone (right)
With the larger screen size, that makes the device feel even more futuristic than the iPhone Air.
The real thing is coming soon
Ultimately, these devices don’t do much more than confirm many of the rumors we’ve heard regarding the size, shape, and camera layouts. They’re a great physical representation of those rumors and an opportunity to see them in the real world.
These stoke interest further, building hype, and leaves us with more questions.
Software execution is just as important as hardware design and implementation. We don’t know for sure if it has vapor chamber cooling, if there is MagSafe, and if there’s Face ID.
Regardless, the new phones will be announced on September 9th at Apple’s Surprise and Shine event. And we’ll be there to cover it.