Apple may be getting ready to enter the flip-phone foldables race, giving buyers a smaller alternative to its long-rumored book-style foldable iPhone.
For months, industry chatter has pointed to Apple unveiling its first foldable iPhone in September 2026, potentially launching alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. This first foldable is widely expected to use a book-style design that opens left to right, aiming squarely at the same premium space as other large foldables. Reports suggest it could be slightly shorter and wider than Samsung’s next big foldable, while still focusing on a large-screen experience when unfolded.
Now, new reporting indicates Apple is also exploring a clamshell-style foldable often described as an “iPhone Flip.” The idea would mirror the modern flip-phone comeback: a device that becomes compact enough to fit more easily in a pocket when closed, then opens into a familiar smartphone shape. Concept details suggest it could look nearly square when folded and, when opened, offer an aspect ratio similar to a large “Pro Max”-style iPhone.
That said, this flip-style iPhone is reportedly still in an early concept phase, and there’s no guarantee it will ever reach store shelves. The decision may depend heavily on how well Apple’s first foldable performs. If a book-style foldable iPhone proves there’s strong demand among Apple customers for flexible screens, it could encourage the company to expand into additional foldable form factors—especially ones that may appeal to people who want something smaller or potentially more price-accessible than a large foldable.
There’s also talk that Apple is considering a bigger version of its book-style model, sometimes framed as an “iPhone Fold Max.” The idea would involve increasing the size of the secondary (outer) display—moving from around 5.5 inches to about 6.5 inches—making the cover screen more usable for everyday tasks without needing to unfold the phone.
Even with these plans still up in the air, the bigger takeaway is clear: Apple appears to be taking foldables seriously. Between a book-style foldable iPhone, an experimental flip-phone design, and even the possibility of a larger foldable model, Apple seems to be exploring multiple ways to compete in the foldable smartphone market in the coming years.
