Bloomberg Line — Apple Inc (AAPL) would already be exploring the development of a foldable iPhone with a “clamshell” design, similar to that of the current “flip” phones, as a possible model after its first foldable iPhone, as revealed Mark Gurmanof Bloomberg.
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According to its report, the Cupertino company works internally on a folding device with a square format and vertical openingknown in the industry as a clamshell, a proposal that would bet on portability and compact size, compared to the first book-type folding iPhone that Apple plans to launch later this year.
“There is no guarantee that the product will reach the market,” Gurman said in his ‘Power On’ newsletter on February 1, although he stressed that Apple is betting that its first foldable iPhone will be successful enough enough to generate real demand for these types of devices and that customers will want additional shapes and sizes, just as they have done with traditional tablet-style iPhones.
Smaller and more portable
Likewise, Gurman said that this clamshell iPhone would be smaller than the initial folding model, which will open like a book and will have an exterior screen of around 5.5 inches and a large interior panel, “Personally, I would like that to be closer to 6.5 inches.”
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Although Apple has already considered different folding prototypes in the pastthe focus clamshell It is now gaining prominence again within its laboratories, driven by the experience of other manufacturers and by the possible diversification of the foldable iPhone range in the coming years.
The new concept, on the other hand, would seek to compete directly with devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or the Motorola Razr, prioritizing comfort of use and carrying in the pocket.
early development
Gurman insisted that the project It is in a very early stage of development and that there is no defined schedule for its launch.
Some reports suggest that the first foldable iPhone will be launched in September this year along with an iPhone 18 Pro and an iPhone 18 Pro Max.
In addition to the clamshell format, Apple also I would be exploring other folding variantsincluding larger devices and even concepts close to an iPad, although these projects would have encountered technical difficulties, so their possible launch could be postponed until 2029.
