Apple May Be Working on a Flip-Style Foldable iPhone

Apple may be working on a flip-style foldable iPhone that folds in half like a classic clamshell phone. The idea is still in early development, but it suggests Apple is already thinking beyond its first foldable iPhone as it prepares for a broader foldable future.

ByRavi Teja KNTS

Published onFeb 2, 2026

Apple is quietly exploring a new foldable iPhone design that would fold in half like a flip phone, according to recent reporting. The idea is still in the early stages, but it suggests Apple is thinking beyond a single foldable model as it prepares to enter the foldable phone market.

The concept was mentioned in the latest Power On newsletter, which says Apple is considering a square, clamshell-style foldable phone inside its development labs. While there is no confirmation the product will ever ship, the exploration signals Apple’s interest in expanding the iPhone lineup with new form factors over time.

A Smaller Foldable Could Follow Apple’s First Foldable iPhone

Apple’s immediate focus remains on its first foldable iPhone, which is expected to debut later this year with a book-style folding design. That device is widely seen as Apple’s initial test of consumer demand for foldable smartphones.

If the first model proves successful, Apple believes customers may want additional options, much like they do with today’s slab-style iPhones. A clamshell foldable would offer a more compact alternative, designed for users who prefer portability without giving up a full-size smartphone experience.

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Apple Has Considered This Design Before

This is not the first time Apple has explored a flip-style foldable iPhone. In previous years, the company reportedly built multiple clamshell prototypes while evaluating how it should approach foldable hardware.

Apple ultimately prioritized a larger foldable design, but the renewed interest in a clamshell form factor suggests the company continues to revisit earlier concepts as technology matures and market conditions evolve.

What This Says About Apple’s Foldable Strategy

There is no release timeline for a clamshell foldable iPhone, and there is no guarantee it will ever reach consumers. Apple routinely tests products internally without committing them to production.

Still, the discussion highlights a broader strategy taking shape. Apple appears to be planning for a future where the iPhone lineup includes multiple foldable designs, offering different sizes and use cases rather than a single experimental device.