Even as Apple has yet to officially launch its first foldable iPhone, fresh reports suggest the tech giant is already considering a second foldable model with a completely different design. According to Bloomberg’s well known technology journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring the idea of a clamshell style foldable iPhone, similar in form to compact flip phones.
However, Gurman cautioned that this device is still far from guaranteed to ever reach consumers. He noted that the clamshell foldable remains under internal consideration only, meaning Apple has not committed to turning it into a commercial product. This uncertainty mirrors the long standing speculation surrounding Apple’s overall foldable strategy.
If Apple decides to move forward, a smaller clamshell foldable would place the company in direct competition with popular devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series and Motorola’s Razr lineup. Entering this segment would signal Apple’s confidence in refining foldable technology and delivering a premium user experience.
At the same time, Gurman believes Apple is optimistic about the reception of its first foldable iPhone, often referred to as the iPhone Fold. Industry leaks suggest this device could launch later in 2026, allowing Apple to capitalize on growing consumer demand for foldable smartphones.
The idea of a clamshell foldable is not entirely new. Earlier reports from The Information revealed that Apple had previously developed prototype devices using this compact folding design. Gurman’s Power On newsletter further supports this by stating that Apple is also evaluating a larger book style foldable device, which would open like a tablet.
In the past, Apple reportedly considered a foldable device roughly the size of an iPad, but development challenges led the company to delay those plans, potentially pushing such a launch to 2029.
Overall, Apple’s foldable roadmap appears cautious yet ambitious. While the clamshell foldable iPhone remains uncertain, the growing number of reports suggests Apple is actively testing multiple concepts behind the scenes.
