Apple may be closer than ever to entering the foldables race — and it looks like it’s not putting all its eggs in one basket.
According to a new report from MacRumors, Apple is testing a flip-style foldable iPhone, citing supply chain information shared by Weibo leaker “Fixed Focus Digital.” The clamshell-style device would reportedly compete with flip phones like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Motorola Razr.
This flip-style concept is said to be separate from Apple’s long-rumoured book-style foldable iPhone, which is widely expected to debut later this year. That device is believed to open like a book — similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup — and feature a nearly crease-free 7.8-inch inner display paired with a 5.5-inch outer screen.
In other words, Apple could be exploring two very different foldable directions: one focused on maximizing screen real estate and multitasking, and another centred around portability and pocketability.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently said Apple is “exploring” a “square, clamshell-style” foldable iPhone, though it’s unclear whether the flip-style device will ever make it to mass production. For now, the book-style foldable appears to be the priority.
In addition to a 7.8-inch crease-minimized inner display and a 5.5-inch cover display, that first foldable iPhone is rumoured to include dual rear cameras, Touch ID, Apple’s next-gen A20 chip, and a new “C2” modem. It’s expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max this fall — although some earlier reports have suggested a potential delay into 2027.
Apple’s approach here feels classic Cupertino: test multiple form factors behind the scenes, refine relentlessly, and only ship what meets its standards. While competitors like Samsung have iterated publicly for years, Apple appears to be studying the market carefully before committing long-term.
If the book-style model succeeds, a Galaxy Z Flip-style iPhone could very well be next in line.