While the tech world awaits the debut of Apple’s “book-style” foldable (widely known as the iPhone Fold), engineers at Cupertino appear to be looking even further ahead.

Apple’s next foldable might be smaller, squarer, and more stylish

Multiple sources suggest Apple is exploring a vertically folding iPhone, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series. The concept: a compact flip phone that opens like a mini laptop, with a square footprint when closed.

This wouldn’t just be a one-off experiment, but part of a broader strategy to expand the foldable iPhone line beyond a single model.

According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter (Bloomberg), internal teams are testing a new prototype: a smaller foldable iPhone with a clamshell form factor. Though the larger iPhone Fold is still months away from launch, this second model signals Apple’s intent to build an entire category of foldables over time.

Why Apple is eyeing a clamshell iPhone

The reason behind the clamshell design is simple: user demand.

If the iPhone Fold succeeds, it could prove that consumers are willing to pay for foldable screens - and that would give Apple the confidence to diversify the lineup.

At that point, people wouldn’t just be asking “Is there an iPhone that folds?” but rather, “Which foldable iPhone fits my lifestyle?”

Some users may prefer the large tablet-like display of the Fold. Others may prioritize portability and compact size - something a clamshell-style iPhone could deliver beautifully.

More than one path forward

Interestingly, Apple isn’t just thinking smaller. Gurman notes that the company is also considering a larger version of the Fold to compete directly with Samsung’s biggest Z Fold models.

That could lead to a full portfolio of foldables, ranging from compact clamshells to standard models to “max” editions aimed at professional users.

It’s a playbook Apple knows well. The company has successfully segmented its traditional iPhone lineup by size and capability for years.

Foldables with a purpose - not just a gimmick

Though most leaks have focused on the book-style Fold, clamshell concepts have appeared in patents and insider reports for years. Samsung has already proven there’s a market for stylish, lifestyle-driven flip phones.

Unlike the Fold, which mimics a tablet, the clamshell format is all about fashion, convenience, and everyday usability.

It offers a phone that’s small when closed but opens to reveal a full-size screen - ideal for fans of the iPhone mini or anyone tired of carrying bulky phones.

One possible approach is a foldable with no external screen at all. In that scenario, the single inner display stays protected and is only exposed when opened - keeping the phone clean and reducing accidental damage.

Still, Apple likely won’t release two drastically different philosophies - one with a cover screen and one without. That would complicate the product range and user expectations.

When will the clamshell iPhone launch?

The big question: will Apple release both the iPhone Fold and the clamshell iPhone?

For now, it seems the company is waiting to see how the iPhone Fold performs. If Apple’s first foldable - expected to debut in September 2026 - is well received, that success could justify expanding the foldable lineup.

In the best-case scenario, a clamshell-style iPhone might arrive by late 2027. But as always with Apple, nothing is guaranteed until it’s on stage.

Hai Phong