Consistent rumors suggest Apple will unveil its inaugural "iPhone Fold" in the fall of 2026, featuring a horizontal fold similar to popular models currently on the market. However, the Weibo account Fixed Focus Digital has revealed that Apple may also be exploring a clamshell approach, comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or the Motorola Razr.

According to the source, the company has yet to decide whether this version will move forward into large-scale production testing.

This is not the first time speculation about an "iPhone Flip" has surfaced. Early rumors, supported by patents filed nearly a decade ago, suggested that Apple might favor a compact clamshell design. More recently, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reported that Apple continues to consider such a device.

While a book-style foldable effectively transforms a smartphone into a tablet, the clamshell design offers its own appeal: compressing a large device, such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, into a pocket-friendly form. The flip model is also expected to feature an external display for notifications and quick access to iOS widgets, allowing users to glance at information from their favorite apps without unfolding the device.

Despite its practicality, Gurman noted that Apple could ultimately scrap the project. The company is likely to gauge market reaction to its first foldable iPhone before proceeding with a second model.

Beyond foldables, the fall of 2026 is also expected to mark the debut of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is rumored to be postponed until the spring of 2027.

Du Lam