Leaked CAD renders of Google’s upcoming Pixel 11 Pro Fold, shared by OnLeaks in collaboration with Android Headlines, reveal a design that is nearly identical to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The renders depict a book-style folding phone with similar dimensions, design language, and hinge construction to its predecessor. The only notable differences include a slightly thinner chassis and a more prominent rear camera module, which could signal improved camera optics.

Google’s Design Strategy May Lack Innovation

While the familiar design of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold may not be a bad thing, it raises concerns about Google’s ability to innovate in the highly competitive foldable phone market. The design, which closely mirrors the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, appears to lack the bold changes that could differentiate it from competitors, particularly as Apple prepares to launch its own wide-body iPhone Fold later this year.

According to the leak, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will retain the same general aspect ratio and hinge design as its predecessor. The only changes are a thinner chassis and a slightly redesigned camera module. This suggests that Google may not be taking significant risks with the form factor, despite the growing trend toward wider, more tablet-like foldable devices.

Apple’s iPhone Fold Could Set a New Standard

Industry analysts and tech insiders suggest that Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold may adopt a wider form factor, similar to Microsoft’s Surface Duo and Oppo’s earlier Find N models. This design, which offers a more natural in-hand experience and better multitasking capabilities, could set a new standard in the foldable phone market.

“Wide book-style foldables are the future,” said John, a writer at Pocket-lint. “The passport or moleskin-style dimensions of wide folding phones make for a comfortable in-hand feel when closed shut, and the sprawling, landscape-oriented canvases of their wider inner displays are incredibly useful for not only side-by-side app multitasking, but also for content consumption.”

Apple’s rumored iPhone Fold is expected to launch in a similar timeframe to Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold. If the rumors are accurate, Apple’s wide-body design could significantly outperform Google’s more traditional foldable form factor, potentially making the Pixel 11 Pro Fold less appealing to consumers.

Google’s Early Innovations May Be Forgotten

The irony of the situation is that Google’s first-generation Pixel Fold was on the right track when it launched with a wide form factor. However, the company later shifted to a more conventional design, which may have cost it a competitive edge in the foldable phone market.

John noted that the first-generation Pixel Fold was on the right track when it launched with a wide form factor. “Had the company stuck to its guns from the get-go, it would’ve ensured the Pixel 11 Pro Fold remained forward-thinking in a post-iPhone Fold world,” he said. “Instead, much to my chagrin, it looks like we’ll be waiting until at least the Pixel 12 Pro Fold to (hopefully) re-embrace the original Pixel Fold’s foldable vision of the future.”

With Apple, Samsung, and other manufacturers all moving toward wider foldable designs, Google’s decision to stick with a similar form factor could put it at a disadvantage. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold may still be a solid, high-quality device when it launches later this year, but it could struggle to compete with the innovative designs expected from Apple and others.

As the foldable phone market continues to evolve, the design choices made by manufacturers will play a crucial role in determining which devices succeed. For Google, the challenge will be to either adapt its design strategy or risk falling behind in the race for the next generation of foldable smartphones.