Before Apple even launches its first folding iPhone, the company is reportedly exploring a follow-up model with a clamshell-like form factor, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr.
There’s no guarantee that Apple will launch such a model. But for now, it’s at least under consideration.
Flip iPhone might become a reality
After years of rumors, all signs point to Apple launching its first foldable iPhone this year. The book-style foldable will supposedly feature a wide aspect ratio, with a 5.5-inch cover screen and a 7.8-inch inner screen. The wider aspect ratio would distinguish the folding iPhone from the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Besides that foldable iPhone, reports over the years also indicated Apple wants to make a foldable iPad-like device.
However, as Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman revealed in Sunday edition of his Power On newsletter, that project reportedly hit a snag. So, the Apple labs team is considering another model: “a square, clamshell-style foldable phone.”
The device may or may not hit the market. Everything will depend on consumer response to the first foldable iPhone. It will also hinge on whether the first foldable device can generate real demand for the category.
Foldable iPhone will make a big impact
Analysts think Apple’s entry into the foldable arena could give the segment a much-needed boost, increasing demand and expanding its reach. While Samsung and others have been shipping foldables for years, Apple’s arrival is still expected to move the needle.
Even with a rumored $2,000-plus price tag limiting mass appeal, a folding iPhone should go a long way to grab attention and make people sit up and take notice.
Apple should take the wraps off the first foldable iPhone in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series. To make way for the new device in its lineup, the company will seemingly push the base iPhone 18’s launch to the first quarter of 2027.
Rajesh has been writing about consumer technology for over a decade, with a strong focus on iPhones, Macs and Apple’s ecosystem. He enjoys digging into Apple software updates, hardware changes, and discovering new Mac apps that make work faster and more enjoyable.
One response to “Apple’s foldable plans may not stop at just one iPhone”
Interesting!!