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Apple May be Exploring a Clamshell-Style Foldable iPhone, Report Suggests

Highlights

Apple is reportedly exploring a clamshell-style foldable iPhone.
The first foldable iPhone is currently rumored to launch later this year.
Apple has also considered larger foldable devices including book-style and iPad-sized models with a possible launch timeline extending to 2029.

Clamshell-Style Foldable iPhone concept picture. (Image credit – Macrumors)

Apple is reportedly considering a clamshell-style foldable iPhone as part of its future product roadmap, even as details around its first foldable device remain unclear. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is currently evaluating a “square, clamshell-style foldable phone.” Although he notes that the concept is still in the early stages and is “far from guaranteed to reach the market.”

Clamshell- Style Foldable iPhone

Gurman’s report indicates that Apple appears optimistic about the prospects of its first foldable iPhone, which is rumoured to launch later this year. The company is said to be preparing follow-up concepts in advance, aiming to capitalise on potential demand if the initial foldable proves successful.

“Apple is betting that its first foldable iPhone will be successful enough to generate real demand for the category and that customers will want additional shapes and sizes, much as they have with traditional slab-style iPhones,” said Gurman said in the most recent Power On newsletter.

If Apple eventually moves forward with a smaller foldable iPhone, it would place the company in direct competition with existing flip-style foldables such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Motorola’s redesigned Razr lineup.

The move would signal Apple’s confidence in its ability to differentiate its foldable offering in an already competitive segment.

This is not the first time reports of a clamshell foldable iPhone have surfaced. A previous report from The Information claimed that Apple had already developed prototypes using a flip-style form factor. At the same time, Gurman’s Power On newsletter has mentioned that Apple is also exploring a larger foldable device that opens like a book.

In earlier reports, Gurman suggested that Apple had considered an even larger foldable device, closer in size to an iPad. However, development challenges with such a large foldable reportedly slowed progress, with a potential launch now said to be pushed as far out as 2029.

FAQs

Q1. Is Apple developing a clamshell-style foldable iPhone?

Answer. Yes, reports suggest Apple is evaluating a square, clamshell-style foldable iPhone. However, the concept is still in early stages and not guaranteed to reach the market.

Q2. When is Apple expected to launch its first foldable iPhone?

Answer. Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumoured to launch later this year. The company is preparing additional concepts in advance to capitalise on potential demand if the initial foldable proves successful.

Q3. How would a clamshell-style foldable iPhone position Apple in the market?

Answer. If Apple moves forward, it would directly compete with existing flip-style foldables like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola’s Razr lineup, signalling confidence in differentiating its foldable offering in a competitive segment.