OPPO's Passport Foldable Format: The Future of Smartphones 2026

OPPO's passport foldable format is emerging as the definitive design for smartphones, as evidenced by Apple's recent launch of the iPhone Duo. This format, which OPPO introduced five years ago, is now being embraced by industry giants like Samsung and Apple, signaling a major shift in smartphone design.

What Is the Passport Foldable Format?

The passport foldable format refers to a foldable phone that, when closed, resembles a miniature book or passport, with a wider and shorter profile compared to traditional foldables. Unlike the book-style 'fold' or the clamshell 'flip', this format strikes a balance between portability and screen real estate.

OPPO first introduced this design with the OPPO Find N in December 2021, which was later available globally in early 2022. At the time, Samsung had been dominating the foldable market with its Galaxy Z Fold series, but OPPO's approach was notably different.

The Evolution of Foldable Formats

For years, foldable phones were categorized into two main types: the book-style fold and the flip. The book-style fold offers a large tablet-like screen when unfolded, while the flip is compact and pocketable. However, both had trade-offs in terms of usability and durability.

The passport format emerged as a middle ground, offering a more pocketable device without sacrificing too much screen space. When closed, the OPPO Find N measured just 132.6mm in height, compared to the Galaxy Z Fold3's 158.2mm, making it significantly more compact.

Why OPPO Was Ahead of Its Time

OPPO's foresight in developing the passport format was remarkable, given that the market was initially skeptical. The company focused on solving key engineering challenges, such as hinge durability and screen crease, which are critical for foldable devices.

By prioritizing a compact form factor, OPPO addressed a major consumer pain point: the bulkiness of early foldables. This approach has now been validated by the likes of Apple and Samsung, who have adopted similar designs in their latest offerings.

Key Advantages of the Passport Format

• Portability: The shorter height makes it easier to fit in pockets and use one-handed.
• Screen Real Estate: When unfolded, it provides a generous display without being overly wide.
• Durability: A more compact hinge design can reduce stress and improve longevity.
• User Experience: The form factor feels more like a traditional phone when closed, easing the transition for new users.

How the Passport Format Compares

As the table shows, the passport format offers a more compact closed profile, which is increasingly favored by manufacturers.

The Impact on the Smartphone Market

Apple's entry into the foldable market with the iPhone Duo is a clear indicator that foldables are no longer a niche category. By adopting the passport format, Apple is acknowledging the design's viability and consumer appeal.

This move is likely to accelerate innovation and competition, driving down prices and improving features. For consumers, this means more choices and better devices in the coming years. The background to this story is set out in 2026: Best Android Foldable Phones Yet, But What Comes After iPhone Duo. A related thread runs through iPhone Duo Review: Apple's Foldable Hides the Crease Well. Earlier coverage in iPhone Duo Preorder: Apple's First Foldable Now Available shows how the argument developed.

What to Watch Next

As more brands adopt the passport format, we can expect refinements in hinge technology, screen materials, and software optimization. The focus will shift to making these devices more durable and affordable. A closer look at the same subject appears in Best Foldable Phones 2026: Which One to Buy and Top Models. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Vivo Snap Screen: The Accessory That Solves the Foldable Dilemma. The same theme surfaces in OPPO Find X10 Review: A Premium Phone Worth the Investment, which takes a different angle.

Additionally, we may see variations of the passport format, such as different aspect ratios or folding mechanisms, as companies seek to differentiate themselves. Context on how this played out before sits in Honor Magic V6 Review: Sleek Foldable Phone with Premium Features. A companion piece, Honor Magic V6 Review: Sleek Foldable Phone with Stunning Display, approaches the same subject from another angle.