Apple fans have waited a long time for a foldable iPhone, and while we still don’t have a solid release date, the company is already looking ahead. New reports suggest that Apple is considering a small, square foldable phone that flips open like a classic clamshell. This potential device is still in the “under consideration” phase, meaning it’s not a sure thing yet, but it shows exactly where Apple’s head is at.
If Apple decides to move forward with this smaller phone, they will be stepping into a ring already occupied by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the revamped Motorola Razr. Mark Gurman, a well-known tech reporter, suggests that Apple feels very positive about its foldable future. They expect their first foldable iPhone—which some believe could launch as early as later this year—to be a major hit. Because of that confidence, they want to have a second, smaller model ready to keep the momentum going and meet customer demand.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a flip-style iPhone. Past leaks revealed that Apple designers have already built and tested prototypes with this specific shape. But Apple isn’t just looking at small phones; they are also exploring the other side of the market. They have spent time working on a much larger device that opens like a book, essentially turning an iPhone into a tablet.
However, making a screen that big and durable is proving to be a challenge. Apple reportedly ran into several engineering roadblocks while trying to perfect the larger design. Because of these struggles, the company might push the release of the iPad-sized foldable back to 2029.
Right now, Apple is playing it safe by testing multiple ideas at once. They want to make sure the hardware is perfect before they ask customers to buy it. Whether they start with a giant folding screen or a compact square that fits easily in a pocket, the next few years will likely change how we think about the iPhone forever.
