Apple is exploring a second foldable iPhone design that would adopt a smaller, clamshell-style form factor, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The device is being considered as a follow-up to Apple’s first foldable iPhone and would place the company in direct competition with flip-style foldables from Samsung and motorola.
The clamshell model would feature a vertically folding design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series and Motorola’s Razr lineup. This approach would differ from Apple’s upcoming book-style foldable iPhone, which is expected to focus on a larger display that unfolds into a tablet-like form.
Gurman’s report suggests Apple is evaluating multiple foldable formats rather than limiting its plans to a single design. By examining both book-style and clamshell designs, Apple appears to be assessing how different form factors could fit into its broader hardware roadmap.
Last year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple is currently targeting a fall 2026 release for its first foldable iPhone, potentially aligning with the iPhone 18 series, though he cautioned that timelines could still change depending on development progress.
Apple has not confirmed any foldable iPhone plans, and the clamshell model remains under exploration, with no clarity on whether or when the company will move forward with the design.