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Apple Might Be Testing A Flip-Style Foldable iPhone As First iPhone Fold Expected This Fall

Highlights

Leaks suggest Apple is also testing a flip-style clamshell foldable iPhone.
Apple is expected to launch its first book-style foldable iPhone this fall with a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display, 5.5-inch cover screen.
The first foldable iPhone is expected to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

Concept image of flip-style foldable iPhone. (Image credit – Macrumors)

We have been hearing about Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone space for quite some time now. While the first foldable iPhone is still some months away, new reports are emerging about a second one.

Fresh leaks suggest the Cupertino giant is testing a flip-style foldable model in addition to its widely rumoured book-style device set to debut later this year.

Flip-Style Foldable iPhone in the Making

According to a well-known leaker with the profile name “Fixed Focus Digital” on Weibo, Apple has internally tested a clamshell or flip-style foldable iPhone. The tipster, citing what is described as verifiable supply chain information, claims that the company is exploring this alternate folding form factor as part of its broader foldable strategy.

Fixed focus digital’s recent post on Weibo. (Translated via Google Translate)

If brought to market, the flip-style iPhone would rival compact foldable smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the modern Motorola Razr lineup.

The flip-style device is said to be separate from the larger foldable iPhone expected to launch this fall. While the book-style foldable is reportedly nearing release, it remains unclear whether the clamshell variant will move into mass production. The decision on its commercial future has reportedly not yet been finalised.

Earlier this month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated that Apple is “exploring” a foldable iPhone featuring a “square, clamshell-style” design. His report aligns with the latest leak suggesting Apple is actively testing such a form factor.

Book-Style Foldable iPhone Launch Expected First

First iPhone foldable alleged sketches.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is widely expected to adopt a book-style design, unfolding horizontally to reveal a larger inner display. This will focus on delivering a tablet-like experience, making it ideal for video streaming, gaming, and multitasking.

Industry rumours suggest that Apple’s debut foldable iPhone could feature a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch external cover screen. The device is also tipped to include Touch ID, a dual rear camera setup, Apple’s upcoming A20 chip, and the new “C2” modem.

The foldable handset is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max this fall, marking Apple’s official entry into the foldable smartphone market.

FAQs

Q1. When is Apple expected to launch its first foldable iPhone?

Answer. Apple’s first foldable iPhone, featuring a book-style design with a 7.8-inch inner display and 5.5-inch cover screen, is expected to debut this fall alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Q2. Is Apple working on more than one foldable iPhone design?

Answer. Yes. In addition to the book-style foldable set for release, Apple is internally testing a flip-style clamshell foldable iPhone, though its commercial future has not yet been finalised.

Q3. What features are rumoured for Apple’s debut foldable iPhone?

Answer. The book-style foldable may include Touch ID, a dual rear camera setup, Apple’s upcoming A20 chip, and the new “C2” modem, aiming to deliver a tablet-like experience for streaming, gaming, and multitasking.