There have been many rumors about the iPhone Flip, Apple’s rumors foldable phone, but so far it has not been clear what kind of design the phone will use. An unfolding design like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 2? Or a speaker style like the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 3?
Apple is said to have considered both options, but according to a new report by Jon Prosser, it appears that Cupertino is possibly going for the latter.
According to the latest issue of Front Page Tech, Prosser’s video show, sources say that Apple put both iPhone Flip prototypes through the glove and decided to focus attention on the clamshell design. That’s right, as the first foldable iPhone goes, it could be the very first Apple brand.
Prosser does note that Apple is not very far with this project, and rejects rumors and reports claiming that we could see the iPhone Flip as early as next year. Prosser also notes that Apple plans to release the phone in a multitude of “fun” colors, speculating that this could mean it is being introduced as a common device for the masses.
In other words, the iPhone Flip may not be as expensive as some other foldable phones. Currently, the Galaxy Z sells Flip 5G for $ 1,199, which is $ 250 off the original price. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is currently $ 999, which is a whopping $ 1,000 price tag since we reviewed the phone.
It’s not clear why Apple would choose the clamshell design for the foldable iPhone. Clearly, a mobile phone design takes up less space than an expandable tablet, while still retaining a full iPhone screen. A larger tablet-like iPhone will inevitably be compared to the iPad, which Apple may want to avoid.
Things can change, of course. If the development of the iPhone Flip is still in the early stages, Prosser claims, there are still plenty of opportunities for Apple to switch off track and go in a different direction.
Whether that will actually happen is another matter, and we will not know until we start hearing more leaks, or Apple makes some kind of official announcement. I would not expect the latter to happen for some time.
We bring you more on the iPhone Flip as we hear it. Meanwhile, however, Samsung is getting a Galaxy Z Flip 3 ready for this year.