Apple is yet to launch the iPhone Fold, but iPhone Flip rumours are already circulating

Flip

• Apple is exploring a clamshell-style foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Flip
• Foldable iPhone with book-style design to launch later this year
• Clamshell model may not reach consumers; still in early exploration stage

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Apple has not even launched its first foldable iPhone yet, but talk about a second foldable model is already doing the rounds. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring the idea of a clamshell-style foldable phone that could look very different from its upcoming book-style foldable.

This new device is being casually referred to as the iPhone Flip, although that is unlikely to be its final name. The phone is said to have a square, clamshell-style design that folds vertically, similar to flip phones that shut compactly and open into a regular smartphone shape. If it ever makes it to market, it would take on rivals such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series and the modern Motorola Razr.

What makes this interesting is the timing. Apple is yet to officially announce its first foldable iPhone, which is expected to launch later this year, possibly around September. That first foldable is expected to open like a book, much like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup. Reports suggest it could feature a large inner display of around 7.7 inches, aimed at users who want more screen space for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking.

The clamshell-style iPhone, on the other hand, would serve a very different purpose. Instead of focusing on screen size, it would focus on portability. A flip-style phone is easier to slip into pockets and bags and appeals to users who want something compact without giving up on smartphone features. This is the same space currently occupied by phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Motorola Razr.

According to Gurman, Apple’s thinking is that if its first foldable iPhone succeeds, it could open the door to more foldable designs in different shapes and sizes. This would mirror how Apple eventually expanded its regular iPhone lineup to include multiple screen sizes and price points.

That said, the iPhone Flip is far from a sure thing. Gurman notes that while Apple is exploring the idea, there is no guarantee that a clamshell foldable will ever reach consumers. Apple is known for testing several concepts internally and only launching products when it feels the technology and user experience meet its standards.

For now, the focus remains on Apple’s first foldable iPhone. But the fact that the company is already thinking about a flip-style model shows that Apple is seriously considering a future where foldable iPhones are not just a one-off experiment, but a full product category.