Apple is reportedly in the works of creating its first-ever flip phone to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8. The rumoured iPhone Fold has generated a lot of buzz, and it seems like Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market is imminent.
However, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is not stopping there. There are talks of a more compact follow-up to the iPhone Fold, taking on a clamshell form factor similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. While plans for a larger foldable device have hit a snag due to engineering challenges, the potential for a smaller flip phone is still on the table.
The success of the initial iPhone Fold, expected to launch in late 2026, will determine the future of Apple’s foldable devices. If the iPhone Fold performs well in the market, Apple anticipates a demand for more foldable shapes and sizes.
In terms of competition, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 9 is more likely to rival Apple’s compact iPhone foldable, given the expected timeline delays. Apple is projected to release its larger iPhone foldable towards the end of 2026, around the same time as Samsung’s next foldable series. A clamshell follow-up from Apple may come a year after that.
The tech world is eagerly awaiting Apple’s foray into the foldable phone market, and the potential launch of a compact flip phone adds an exciting new dimension to the competition between Apple and Samsung. Only time will tell how successful Apple’s foldable devices will be in the ever-evolving smartphone landscape.
