There are many rumors about the iPhone Flip, the rumors that Apple has a foldable phone, but so far it is not clear what kind of design the phone will use. A fold-out design like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 2? Or a flip phone-style clamshell like the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 3?
Apple would have considered both options, but according to a new report from Jon Prosser, it looks like Cupertino is going for the latter.
According to the latest installment of Front Page Tech, Prosser’s video show, sources say Apple has taken both iPhone Flip prototypes through the gauntlet and decided to turn its attention to the design of the clamshell. That’s right, as it goes, the first foldable iPhone could be the very first foldable phone from the Apple brand.
Prosser does note that Apple isn’t very far off with this project, throwing rumors and reports that we could see the iPhone Flip as early as next year. Prosser also notes that Apple plans to release the phone in a host of “fun” colors, speculating that this could mean setting it up as a general purpose device for the masses.
In other words, the iPhone Flip may not be as pricey as some other foldable phones. Right now, the Galaxy Z Flip 5G is retailing for $ 1,199, which is $ 250 less than the original price. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is currently priced at $ 999, which is a whopping $ 1,000 off since we reviewed the phone.
It is not clear why Apple would choose the clamshell design over the foldable iPhone. Obviously, a flip phone design takes up less space than a fold-out tablet, while still retaining a full-size iPhone display. A larger tablet-like iPhone would inevitably be compared to the iPad, which Apple may want to avoid.
Of course things can change. If the development of the iPhone Flip is still in its infancy, Prosser claims, there is still plenty of opportunity for Apple to switch jobs and move in a different direction.
Whether it will actually happen is another matter, and we won’t know for sure until we start hearing more leaks, or Apple makes some sort of official announcement. I wouldn’t expect the latter to happen for the time being.
We bring you more about the iPhone Flip as we hear it. In the meantime, however, Samsung is preparing a Galaxy Z Flip 3 for this year.