Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market, following in the footsteps of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6, which has received acclaim for its innovative design. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 features a 6.7-inch screen that folds in half, blending modern smartphone functionality with a nostalgic flip-phone aesthetic.
According to a report by The Information, Apple is working on a “clamshell” design for its upcoming iPhone, reminiscent of the Galaxy Z Flip series. This new design could be unveiled as early as 2026. The foldable iPhone is expected to debut alongside advanced camera technologies, including a variable aperture, which would allow users to adjust the light and detail captured by the camera lens. This feature aims to produce various effects, such as a natural “bokeh” blurred background.
Apple has yet to comment on these developments.
This report signals significant changes on the horizon for Apple’s iPhone lineup. While the iPhone remains one of the most popular consumer electronics globally, recent iterations have been critiqued for their incremental upgrades. Features like the “action” button on the iPhone 15 Pro and the Dynamic Island selfie-camera and sensor cutout have not been seen as groundbreaking.
In contrast, the rumored clamshell folding iPhone would represent a substantial shift in design philosophy. Additionally, Apple is reportedly planning to release a “significantly skinnier” iPhone next year. This new, slimmer design is expected to herald a new category of Apple products, including lighter Apple Watches, MacBook Pro laptops, and iPad tablets.
Earlier this year, Apple released a redesigned iPad Pro, priced at $999, which boasted the company’s thinnest product design to date. This design achievement drew comparisons to the iPod Nano, known for its compact size when it launched nearly two decades ago.
Apple has been exploring folding iPhone designs since at least 2019, inspired by Motorola’s revival of the Razr smartphone. The Razr brought back the iconic clamshell design as a modern smartphone that folds in half. Despite other companies’ ventures into foldable phones, Apple has faced challenges that have delayed its entry into the market. Key issues include the high cost of production and the visible crease on folding screens. The first Razr smartphone, released in 2020, was priced at $1,500, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6, announced earlier this month, costs $1,100. Although prices for foldable phones are gradually decreasing, they remain higher than the typical $800 starting price for flagship models like the iPhone 15 or Galaxy S24.
Whether Apple has resolved the screen crease issue or managed to reduce the overall cost of production remains to be seen. However, the potential introduction of a foldable iPhone could significantly impact the smartphone market, offering consumers a fresh, innovative option from one of the world’s leading tech companies.
