Apple has begun internally testing a foldable iPhone with a "flip" design.A more compact, clamshell-style phone, according to a post on Weibo, has been revealed, adding to the information shared by Mark Gurman a few days ago. This new prototype would join the foldable phone projects that Apple has already explored, marking another step in the brand's expansion into a market segment that other manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola have promoted with similar designs.
The "flip" type device is characterized by its vertical hingeThis feature allows the phone to be folded in half, reducing its size when closed, making it easier to carry and offering a more comfortable user experience in a pocket or bag without sacrificing a conventional-sized screen when unfolded. Leaked details suggest that Apple is evaluating this feature in addition to the larger, "book-style" model expected next year, although There is no guarantee that it will reach production or commercial release., since these prototypes are still in the internal testing phase at the company's laboratories in Cupertino.
These tests do not mean that Apple has decided on a specific release date. For this "flip" model, it's not expected that the device will reach the market immediately. Traditionally, Apple has explored multiple concepts and prototypes that don't always become final products, and this compact foldable project is still considered experimental. The company is already making progress in developing its first "fold" type foldable, more similar to a device with a large screen that opens horizontally, which is expected to be announced in the second half of 2026 alongside the next generation of standard and Pro iPhones.
The possibility of a "flip" iPhone also fits with other recent rumorsThese reports indicate that Apple could explore different flexible display configurations to expand its presence in this segment and compete directly with existing foldable devices on the market. While this new clamshell design would evoke the classic flip phones that were popular in previous years, its inclusion in the future iPhone lineup will depend on whether Apple believes it can offer the necessary features. a user experience and durability in line with their standardsFor now, the company continues to internally evaluate this design, with no official confirmation of a launch.