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Apple Delays Flip-Style iPhone, Giving Samsung the Lead for Years

The iPhone Flip could arrive two years after the iPhone Fold

Sagnik Das Gupta profile picture
by Sagnik Das Gupta
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iPhone Flip design custom concept showcased while folded and unfolded

Image Credit: Beebom Gadgets

Summary

  • Apple is reportedly working on a clamshell foldable iPhone that could launch by 2028.
  • A book-style foldable iPhone is expected to launch sometime in 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 series.
  • Apple could launch the iPhone 20 in 2027 instead of an iPhone 19 lineup, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of iPhones.

Apple working on a foldable iPhone is not a surprise anymore and is undoubtedly a much-anticipated device at this point. As per a new report, it looks like the very early speculations of there being a clamshell iPhone as well might be true after all. However, the iPhone Flip might be a little too late to the party.

Apple may launch the iPhone Flip around 2028

A report from ETNews suggests that the clamshell-style iPhone Flip could launch around 2028. Similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip, the iPhone Flip is expected to fold vertically and offer a compact form factor. Not too long ago, we also heard of rumours of the book-style foldable iPhone launch date being delayed beyond 2026. 

The foldable iPhone is expected to use an LTPO OLED panel for efficient power consumption. Additionally, there could also be under-display cameras and glass mid-frames to enhance the phone's durability and in-hand feel. 

iPhone Flip design showcased while folded and unfolded
Image Credits: Beebom Gadgets
iPhone Flip design showcased while folded and unfolded
Image Credits: Beebom Gadgets

Additionally, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone's debut in 2027, Apple may give us the iPhone 20 instead of an iPhone 19. This lineup is said to include the iPhone 20 Air, 20 Pro and 20 Pro Max. 

There's no doubt that Apple is certainly late to the foldable party. However, taking this much time could also translate into the brand learning from its competitor's mistakes and giving us a more refined, cutting-edge product. However, that necessarily doesn't have to translate to Apple pricing it exorbitantly, as a new report did suggest the brand making its foldable iPhone cheap.

It will most definitely be interesting to see how the foldable iPhones stand their ground in a niche market that has had quite a few solid entries like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, the Vivo X Fold 5, etc. Here's hoping that we don't get to see another Pixel 10 Pro Fold bend test fail instead. 

Sagnik Das Gupta profile picture
Sagnik Das Gupta

News Editor

Expertise :

With a little over five years under his belt, Sagnik Das Gupta now spends his days fearlessly taming new smartphones that arrive at the Beebom office. If not that, you will find him aggressively editing news stories or having an existential crisis. When he's not busy editing content or judging a phone, he's found serenading himself with a guitar or rage-quitting video games.

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