Apple’s Potential Shift: A Clamshell iPhone on the Horizon

The days of flat rectangles defining the iPhone may soon be a thing of the past. Speculation is growing around Apple launching its first foldable phone in late 2026, with reports hinting at a clamshell design in the works as well.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, noted for his accuracy on Apple insights, reveals that the clamshell model would be smaller and more square than the larger book-style foldable that’s also in development. However, he cautions that “the product is far from guaranteed to reach the market.” If the initial foldable performs well, the clamshell variant could quickly follow.

A clamshell phone, reminiscent of the popular flip phones from the 90s like the Motorola StarTAC, folds inwards via a hinge, providing a compact design that emphasizes portability. Apple’s strategy seems to hinge on the anticipation that if customers embrace the foldable format, they’ll also desire different shapes and sizes, similar to the evolution of traditional iPhones.

Market Positioning and User Demand

Apple had a stellar year, with its iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max comprising over half of all iPhones sold by December. With record-breaking sales reported, it’s clear that Apple is looking to maintain momentum.

If a smaller clamshell phone indeed becomes a reality, Apple will face stiff competition from established players like Motorola and Samsung, both offering square-shaped clamshells with their respective models. Gurman mentions that the first foldable iPhone might feature a 5.5-inch display, somewhat smaller than Samsung’s 6.5 inches.

Tech enthusiasts are already weighing in on the prospect of a clamshell design. Austin Evans, a prominent tech reviewer with over 5.7 million subscribers on YouTube, expressed excitement, calling it “so cool.” He believes the flip form factor represents the natural progression of the smartphone, enhancing the user experience with added functionality like a self-standing phone and an external display that helps prevent mindless scrolling.

With Apple setting its sights on foldable technology, all eyes are on how the company will differentiate its offerings from competitors. The evolution of the iPhone is taking an exciting turn, and it will be interesting to see how these developments play out in the near future.