After the iPhone Fold, Apple could introduce a second foldable model. This one will allegedly resemble a square-shaped clamshell device, such as the Motorola Razr and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series. Ubiquitously called the iPhone Flip, it will be the result of the demand generated by the first-ever foldable iPhone, which is expected to launch later this year, in September, wrote renowned Journalist Mark Gurman in the Bloomberg newsletter.
“Apple anticipates strong demand for its first-ever foldable iPhone, which could, in turn, fuel interest in additional form factors, much like the variety seen across traditional slab-style iPhones,” adds Gurman in his report. The iPhone Flip would be a more compact foldable, positioned below Apple’s much-anticipated book-style foldable.
While the iPhone Fold is expected to offer the largest display ever on an Apple smartphone, it is rumoured to feature a more compact overall form factor than its main rival, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The device is said to sport a 5.5-inch outer display. There is wild anticipation of another model, which will be a larger version of the iPhone Fold and sit right atop the lineup.
Powering the iPhone Fold could be Apple’s upcoming A20 Pro chipset, which is also expected to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Built on a 2nm manufacturing process, the chip should deliver ample performance, enabling the foldable iPhone to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. The handset is likely to support connectivity using the in-house C2 modem and provide a Touch ID on the power button to securely unlock the device. The iPhone Fold is said to be priced at $1,999 (~Rs 1,75,000), which is on par with the Galaxy Z Fold7 price.
As for the iPhone Flip, details remain scarce. However, if Apple opts for a clamshell design, the device could feature a horizontal hinge that folds the handset into a compact, square-like shape, while unfolding into a conventional smartphone form factor.
That said, the information should be taken with a grain of salt, as there has been no official confirmation, and Gurman himself has noted that the clamshell iPhone is “far from guaranteed” to ever reach the market. So if you’re holding out for what could be Apple’s smallest iPhone in ages, you may be in for a longer wait. Those looking to upgrade sooner may want to consider alternatives such as the iPhone 17 or existing flip phones from other manufacturers.
