In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Apple is exploring a compact clamshell foldable iPhone to rival Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
- This potential flip phone would likely compete with the Galaxy Z Flip 9 rather than the Z Flip 8 due to expected timeline delays.
- Apple’s flip phone development depends on the success of its initial iPhone Fold, which is expected to launch in late 2026.
Apple is rumoured to be working on its first ever flip phone, to rival the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8.
There have been so many reports concerning the so-called iPhone Fold that Apple’s foldable phone debut is almost nailed on at this point.
Indeed, we’re now more interested in what comes next. According to well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, that could well be a smaller foldable phone.
In a new report, the reporter claims that Apple is exploring a more compact follow-up to the iPhone Fold. This one would take on a clamshell form factor, rather like the current Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.
It seems this new product is far from assured, and the company is also known to be looking in completely the opposite direct towards an even larger foldable device. Those plans have reportedly hit a snag as engineers struggle with the sheer heft of an 18-inch expanding tablet.
Luke Baker
The future of both devices would appear to hinge on the success of that initial iPhone foldable, which is reportedly set to more closely resemble the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
If it does well, Apple is said to anticipate demand for more foldable shapes and sizes.
We mentioned the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 as a potential rival for any such compact iPhone foldable, but given the likely time frame, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 9 seems to be a more likely competitor.
Apple is expected to launch its larger iPhone foldable towards the end of 2026, within months of Samsung’s next foldable series. Presumably a clamshell follow-up would be at least a further year down the road.
Author: Jon Mundy, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Jon is a freelance journalist who got his start covering mobile games at the dawn of the App Store. He has since covered everything from smart home tech and laptops to food and culture, but always seems to return to his fascination with smartphones.