70%
Probable
The iPhone Fold could introduce a new clamshell form factor from Apple, as the company is said to expand its product portfolio in this category and take on its biggest rival, Samsung, in the process. The device in question is the iPhone Flip, and though this isn’t its official name, the technology giant is exploring a release in the near future. However, its materialization strongly depends on how successful its first foldable flagship is when it arrives later this year alongside the top-end iPhone 18 models.
The iPhone Flip will deliver significantly less utility than the iPhone Fold, but the latter’s launch can act as a catalyst that will encourage customers to upgrade
Seeing as how Samsung unveiled a book-style foldable smartphone to the masses first, Apple is following a similar approach with the iPhone Fold, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman writing in the latest edition of the ‘Power On’ newsletter that the Cupertino firm is betting on its first model to carry sufficient demand momentum so the iPhone Flip’s launch becomes economically viable.
“The product is far from guaranteed to reach the market. Still, Apple is betting that its first foldable iPhone will be successful enough to generate real demand for the category and that customers will want additional shapes and sizes, much as they have with traditional slab-style iPhones.”
This isn’t the first time the iPhone Flip’s design has been discussed. Apple has previously been reported to target a 2028 launch for its clamshell foldable smartphone, and given that it will probably be cheaper than the iPhone Fold while shipping with the latest and greatest internals, customers could be compelled to upgrade. Of course, knowing Apple, the company has likely set a highly ambitious sales target for the iPhone Fold, meaning that there’s a strong possibility the iPhone Flip never witnesses a launch.
Additionally, the last thing Apple needs is a cluttered product lineup where increased sales of one iPhone cannibalize the others, so it will be a tough call for the California-based titan. As always, we will continue to provide updates to our readers in a timely manner, so stay tuned.
News Source: Bloomberg
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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