Apple Foldable iPhone Could Flip Shut as a Clamshell — A Bold Change for Fans

Ahead of its September launch, the iPhone Fold might just have started Apple Inc.'s entry into the foldable phones category, as the concept of the 'iPhone Flip' is already being discussed. The follow-up to this year's biggest drop from Apple Inc., which is the iPhone Fold, the iPhone Flip will be a square, clamshell version, sources say.​

Apple Inc. is reportedly already considering a second-generation iPhone Fold albeit smaller, akin to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7, inside Apple labs, per Bloomberg. For years, Apple Inc. has been rumoured to release a foldable phone, joining the ranks of Samsung and Motorola.

In a MacRumors report, while the iPhone Fold is expected to look like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, which features a large 7.7-inch (19.5 cm), or 5.5-inch (14 cm) internal display, the next-generation iPhone Flip—likely a concept name—will be a more portable device. It will be comparable to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip. The clamshell-type iPhone Flip leans more into pocketability, a feature users are least likely to expect in the Pro Max iPhones. The concept will have a phone with a standard iPhone-sized screen when opened.

Apple's Entry Into the 'Foldable' Paths

Samsung has long been releasing foldable phone models, suggesting the demand for these devices isn't likely to be steep. Apple Inc.'s decision to diversify its collection, going beyond the usual 'slab' phones, is an indication of the Cupertino-based tech company's broader market strategy.

Bloomberg suggests that Apple Inc. believes the iPhone Fold—its first entry into foldable phones—will have enough success to increase the demand for foldable phones greatly, and that customers may start exploring options in shapes, sizes, and form more than usual.​

The report also notes the possibility of Apple Inc. releasing a foldable phone with a much larger screen, an opportunity for Apple Inc. customers who are looking for an even bigger screen. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman shared he would personally prefer if Apple Inc. went with a 6.5-inch (16.5 cm) screen or closer.

Should the rumoured iPhone Flip concept materialise, it would be an indication that Apple Inc. is going against established foldable phones made by Samsung (the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7) or Motorola's recently revived Razr foldable phones.​

Why Consumers Might Embrace the Clamshell-Designed iPhones​

The public has been well-adapted to foldable phone models, but Apple Inc.'s entry into the scene will likely solidify its market position with these pocketable phones. They're not just compact, easy to carry, and convenient to use, they also bring back flip-phone feels without sacrificing new and modern smartphone functionalities most consumers are least likely to want to give up.​

Apple Inc. can also remain competitive in the smartphone market should it decide to add foldable smartphones in its lineup. Though Apple's different iPhone sizes, ranging from the Pro and Pro Max models, adding a 'foldable phone category' can result positively for the company, not only boosting consumer interest in foldable phones, but also in the demand-for-choice category.

No comment has been made by Apple Inc. to confirm or deny its likelihood of developing an iPhone Fold successor. To date, Apple Inc. has also refused to confirm the iPhone Fold or its anticipated September release, though several analysts and popular leakers have made rumours of its design and specs circulate online.​

The iPhone Fold is rumoured to feature two rear cameras, an external punch-hole camera, and one under-display camera within the inner screen, and that the newest addition to Apple Inc.'s iPhones will be using Liquidmetal, which is stronger and can withstand multiple uses with less wear and tear, per Engadget.