Apple Considers a Clamshell Form Factor for Its Next Foldable iPhone

According to Bloomberg, the design would feature a square, flip-style profile.

Image: Michal Dufka/ Behance.net

Recent sources indicate that Apple is actively developing a clamshell foldable iPhone to diversify its future product offerings. As the compact foldable market evolves, Cupertino seems to be planning a direct rival to the established Galaxy Z Flip series.

Bloomberg reports that the design features a "square, clamshell-style" device intended to accompany a larger folding variant. The primary emphasis is on Apple's forthcoming foldable, anticipated to appear in late 2026; however, this secondary gadget suggests the formulation of a more extensive plan. The study highlights that the project is presently "under consideration," suggesting that the concept may yet be abandoned or substantially modified prior to commercial release.

If actualised, the handset will aim at the demographic presently catered to by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Motorola’s Razr. This story contrasts with claims of Apple's larger, iPad-hybrid foldable, which has reportedly encountered developmental obstacles, delaying its anticipated arrival to 2029. Currently, the clamshell notion exists as a hypothetical scenario as Apple assesses the performance of its forthcoming foray into the foldable market.