Leaked information about Apple's second foldable iPhone.
A new report suggests Apple is quietly researching a clamshell-style foldable iPhone, raising the possibility that the company will enter the foldable phone race with a completely different approach.
According to internal sources, Apple is currently working on a prototype foldable iPhone with a compact, square design. This device is reportedly in the testing phase in a lab, not yet a commercially ready product, but it reflects the company's long-term direction.
Unlike previous rumors surrounding a high-end foldable iPhone that could expand into a tablet, this new prototype takes a completely different direction: a clamshell design, similar to the compact foldable phones currently popular on the Android market.
Apple's research into a square-shaped folding design suggests the company isn't focusing on just one type of foldable iPhone. Instead, Apple appears to be considering various shapes, sizes, and price points for its future foldable product line.
This marks a notable shift in Apple's design thinking, which is known for launching few variants and often waiting for technology to mature before entering the market. Foldable screens, in Apple's vision, may not just be an "expanded iPhone," but an entirely new type of device.
Foldable clamshell iPhone: Smaller, more convenient.
According to renowned analyst Mark Gurman, Apple is considering a clamshell-style foldable iPhone, which would be square-shaped when folded. This design would make the device easier to slip into a pocket or bag, overcoming the bulkiness of many current smartphone models.
While Apple's first foldable iPhone, if launched, will likely be a high-end, technology-showcase product, this smaller foldable version could serve to expand user options, similar to how Apple is clearly differentiating between regular iPhones and iPhone Pros.
Why is a compact foldable iPhone a good idea?
The foldable phone market is currently divided into two distinct directions: devices that fold to expand into large, tablet-like screens, and compact foldable devices that prioritize portability.
With the clamshell iPhone, Apple can cater to a group of users who prefer a large screen for everyday use but also want a compact and portable device. This is a segment that has proven attractive on Android, especially for users who don't like overly large phones.
If the first foldable iPhone is successful, expanding to other sizes and forms is almost certain. This would also help Apple close the gap with competitors, who have been ahead of Apple for several generations in the foldable screen field.
The prospect of a foldable iPhone is clearly very appealing, especially in the context of increasingly larger smartphones. For those who find current phones too bulky, a foldable iPhone could be a solution that strikes a balance between user experience and portability.
However, many questions remain unanswered, from screen size (rumored to be around 5.5 inches) to durability and price. Apple has not yet confirmed any launch plans, although some sources previously suggested that a foldable iPhone could appear as early as 2028.
