Apple is reportedly exploring a clamshell-style flip iPhone, and if the current leaks are to be believed, this could finally arrive sometime in 2027. Yes, a flip iPhone was an idea that famously went against Steve Jobs’ vision for the iPhone back in the day.
To be clear, this isn’t Apple’s first foldable. The company is expected to debut its book-style foldable iPhone first, likely in late 2026, with the clamshell “iPhone Flip” positioned as a secondary, more compact alternative that goes up against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip lineup.
If Apple does go ahead with an iPhone Flip, it’s expected to feature a square, compact design when folded, opening up to a familiar iPhone-sized display. The goal here would likely be convenience and portability, rather than pushing boundaries the way the first iPhone did.
At this stage, everything remains firmly in the rumour territory, but the timeline does make sense. Apple appears to be taking a slow, deliberate approach to foldables waiting for the technology to mature before stepping in, rather than rushing to match competitors.
Even if Steve Jobs once rejected the idea outright, an iPhone Flip today wouldn’t feel like a contradiction. Instead, it would be Apple revisiting an old concept with the benefit of modern engineering and maybe, finally getting it right.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is widely expected to be a book-style device, opening up like a mini tablet rather than flipping shut vertically. Leaks point to a large inner OLED display close to 7.8 inches, paired with a smaller outer screen around 5.3 inches for quick tasks when folded.
Apple is reportedly obsessing over the details here, especially reducing the visible crease, improving hinge durability, and using premium materials like titanium to keep the device slim and rigid. On the software side, iOS is expected to be reworked for better multitasking and split-screen use, while some reports suggest Touch ID could return due to space constraints with Face ID. Positioned as a top-tier product, this foldable iPhone is likely to sit above the regular iPhone lineup in both capability and price, with a potential launch window around late 2026.
To be clear, this isn’t Apple’s first foldable. The company is expected to debut its book-style foldable iPhone first, likely in late 2026, with the clamshell “iPhone Flip” positioned as a secondary, more compact alternative that goes up against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip lineup.
If Apple does go ahead with an iPhone Flip, it’s expected to feature a square, compact design when folded, opening up to a familiar iPhone-sized display. The goal here would likely be convenience and portability, rather than pushing boundaries the way the first iPhone did.
At this stage, everything remains firmly in the rumour territory, but the timeline does make sense. Apple appears to be taking a slow, deliberate approach to foldables waiting for the technology to mature before stepping in, rather than rushing to match competitors.
Even if Steve Jobs once rejected the idea outright, an iPhone Flip today wouldn’t feel like a contradiction. Instead, it would be Apple revisiting an old concept with the benefit of modern engineering and maybe, finally getting it right.
About Apple’s first book style foldable - What is expected?
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is widely expected to be a book-style device, opening up like a mini tablet rather than flipping shut vertically. Leaks point to a large inner OLED display close to 7.8 inches, paired with a smaller outer screen around 5.3 inches for quick tasks when folded.
Apple is reportedly obsessing over the details here, especially reducing the visible crease, improving hinge durability, and using premium materials like titanium to keep the device slim and rigid. On the software side, iOS is expected to be reworked for better multitasking and split-screen use, while some reports suggest Touch ID could return due to space constraints with Face ID. Positioned as a top-tier product, this foldable iPhone is likely to sit above the regular iPhone lineup in both capability and price, with a potential launch window around late 2026.
