Apple’s long-rumored foldable ambitions continue to take shape, with fresh reports suggesting the company is already considering a second, more compact foldable iPhone.
While the Apple iPhone Fold—expected to feature a book-style design—is widely rumored to launch later this year, Apple is reportedly exploring a clamshell-style “iPhone Flip” as a potential future addition to its lineup.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple engineers in Cupertino are internally discussing the idea of a square, flip-style folding iPhone similar in concept to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series. Gurman notes that this device is still in the exploratory phase, with development reportedly under consideration inside Apple’s research labs. However, no concrete specifications, timelines, or launch window have been confirmed at this stage.
Importantly, the report also emphasizes that there is no guarantee the Apple iPhone Flip will ever reach the market. Apple is said to be taking a cautious approach, planning to first evaluate consumer response to its initial foldable offering. The success or failure of the book-style iPhone Fold is expected to play a major role in determining whether Apple proceeds with a flip-style model.
Interestingly, rumors surrounding a flip-style folding iPhone are not new. Over the past few years, multiple leaks and analyst reports have claimed that Apple has been testing at least two prototype versions of a clamshell foldable device. Some earlier reports even suggested that Apple might launch a flip-style foldable before introducing a larger book-style model, making the current strategy a notable shift.
Apple’s careful, methodical approach aligns with its history of entering new product categories later than competitors, but with refined hardware and software integration. Rather than rushing into the foldable market, Apple appears focused on perfecting durability, display crease management, and long-term reliability—areas where early foldable phones have faced criticism.
If Apple does move forward with an iPhone Flip, it could appeal to users seeking a more compact, pocket-friendly foldable that prioritizes style and portability. For now, all eyes remain on the upcoming iPhone Fold, which will likely serve as Apple’s first real test in the competitive foldable smartphone market.
As foldable demand continues to grow globally, Apple’s next moves could significantly reshape the premium smartphone segment later this year and beyond.
While the iPhone Fold is shaping up to be Apple’s first major step into the foldable smartphone market, reports of an iPhone Flip highlight the company’s long-term ambitions beyond a single device.
Apple appears to be taking a cautious, research-driven approach, closely studying consumer response before committing to a broader foldable lineup. If the book-style iPhone Fold proves successful, a clamshell-style iPhone Flip could eventually follow, offering users a more compact and stylish alternative. For now, Apple’s foldable future remains experimental, but it has the potential to redefine the premium segment once the company decides the market is ready.