The clamshell iPhone would be released at some point after Apple's first foldable iPhone, which is expected to launch in September this year.
The first foldable iPhone is expected to open up like a book, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7. This design will provide users with a large 7.7-inch inner display for watching videos and gaming, and there will likely be multitasking functionality. A clamshell iPhone, on the other hand, would be more about portability and pocketability.
"Apple is betting that its first foldable iPhone will be successful enough to generate real demand for the category and that customers will want additional shapes and sizes, much as they have with traditional slab-style iPhones," said Gurman. Nevertheless, he said a clamshell iPhone is "far from guaranteed to reach the market."
Wednesday April 8, 2026 8:04 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple is in the middle of a three-year plan to "reinvent" the look and feel of the iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In a report this week, Gurman said the plan is as follows:September 2025: The redesigned iPhone 17 Pro models and an all-new iPhone Air (✅)
September 2026: A foldable iPhone
September 2027: A special 20th-anniversary iPhoneThe report said this iPhone roadmap has...
Wednesday April 8, 2026 9:38 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to release an updated iPhone Air and a lower-end iPhone 18e early next year, according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In a report this week, he said Apple plans to unveil the two devices in spring 2027, alongside a standard iPhone 18. If so, Apple will likely announce the trio of devices in March or April next year. It is unclear if there will be a live-streamed ...
Wednesday April 8, 2026 11:30 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple reportedly plans to unveil its long-awaited foldable iPhone in September, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has revealed the device's supposed price range.
Apple's foldable iPhone is rumored to be named iPhone Ultra
In a report this week, Gurman said the foldable iPhone is expected to "cross the $2,000 threshold" in the U.S., although it is unclear if he is referring to the starting price or...
This is the *one* I am waiting on. Not into the Fold format and size. If Apple does a clamshell right, it could be the new iPhone mini, actually pocket-friendly. If it ends up reasonably thick + durable, it’s a winner for me.
I’ve always been more partial to the “flip” than the “fold”—the extra square real estate in the fold is useless. a smaller footprint is invaluable! bring on the flip
I like the idea of a normal sized iPhone when folded and then an iPad mini sized iPhone when unfolded. Would people want this type of fold?
I personally would, I don’t need a large screen on my phone, and I’d like to save room in my pockets as long as it’s not extremely thick. Also I know a lot of women like this form factor too for the same reasons