[News] Apple Reportedly Plans Clamshell-Style iPhone After First Foldable, Taking Aim at Galaxy Z Flip

Apple has yet to launch its first foldable iPhone, but it may already be looking ahead. According to Bloomberg, sources say the company is exploring a follow-up model in the form of a smaller, square, clamshell-style foldable phone. As the report indicates, Apple believes its first foldable iPhone will gain sufficient traction to create meaningful demand for the category, encouraging interest in additional form factors.

As speculation surfaces around Apple’s rumored clamshell-style phone, Chosun Biz points out that Samsung Electronics already offers foldables in two distinct designs: the Galaxy Fold series, which opens horizontally like a book, and the Galaxy Z Flip series, which folds vertically. Apple is said to be considering a similar dual-form lineup.

Chosun Biz notes that the iPhone Flip is expected to cost less to manufacture than the iPhone Fold, aiming to strike a balance between practicality and price competitiveness by adopting the latest hardware. That said, the launch of a flip-style foldable iPhone is likely to hinge on the commercial performance of Apple’s first foldable model.

Still, Bloomberg notes that Apple could eventually roll out a larger, book-style foldable phone. Such a device would fit well into Apple’s lineup, as its first foldable model is expected to be smaller than Samsung’s. Chosun Biz indicates that Apple’s initial foldable iPhone will likely feature a horizontal folding form factor, with a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external display.

Apple Foldable Targets Battery Lead Over Rivals

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumored to hold a battery advantage over competing devices. According to MacRumors, sources suggest the model could feature the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, surpassing rival foldables. The battery capacity is said to exceed 5,500 mAh, which would top the current record held by the iPhone 17 Pro Max, whose battery stands at 5,088 mAh.

MacRumors points out that rival foldables currently on the market offer noticeably smaller batteries than the rumored capacity. Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold packs a 5,015 mAh battery, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes with a 4,400 mAh cell. As such, an Apple foldable equipped with a battery exceeding 5,500 mAh would set a new benchmark for the category.

Apple’s move into the foldable phone market is expected to be a meaningful catalyst for the industry. According to TrendForce, Apple’s first foldable device—anticipated in the second half of 2026—is projected to push foldable smartphone penetration from 1.6% in 2025 to above 3% by 2027. TrendForce notes that Apple’s entry is seen as a signal that foldables are moving toward mainstream adoption, with competition increasingly focused on manufacturing efficiency, cost management, and end-to-end supply-chain integration.

Read more

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• [News] Samsung Reportedly Preps 4:3 “Wide Fold” Phone to Take On Apple, Launch Set for Fall 2026

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