Apple is reportedly already envisioning its next move in the rapidly evolving world of foldable smartphones, with insiders suggesting that a smaller, clamshell-style model may soon join its debut foldable iPhone.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring this novel form factor, one that resembles a traditional clamshell design, and has deemed it "far from guaranteed to reach the market" – yet still under consideration. This development suggests that Apple believes its first foray into the foldable space can be complemented by a smaller, more agile device that could rival existing options like Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Motorola's revamped Razr foldable.
Gurman's report also hints at Apple's confidence in its initial foldable iPhone, rumored to hit shelves later this year. Rather than merely treading water, the company appears eager to establish a clear roadmap for subsequent models that could capitalize on anticipated consumer demand.
The clamshell foldable iPhone concept is not new, having been previously reported by The Information, which revealed that Apple had created prototypes in this form factor. Meanwhile, Gurman's Power On newsletter has also hinted at an even larger foldable design, one that opens like a book – though such a device appears to be stuck in development limbo.
It's worth noting that earlier rumors suggested a much larger foldable iPhone, akin to the size of an iPad – but Apple ultimately shelved this idea due to development challenges.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is exploring this novel form factor, one that resembles a traditional clamshell design, and has deemed it "far from guaranteed to reach the market" – yet still under consideration. This development suggests that Apple believes its first foray into the foldable space can be complemented by a smaller, more agile device that could rival existing options like Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Motorola's revamped Razr foldable.
Gurman's report also hints at Apple's confidence in its initial foldable iPhone, rumored to hit shelves later this year. Rather than merely treading water, the company appears eager to establish a clear roadmap for subsequent models that could capitalize on anticipated consumer demand.
The clamshell foldable iPhone concept is not new, having been previously reported by The Information, which revealed that Apple had created prototypes in this form factor. Meanwhile, Gurman's Power On newsletter has also hinted at an even larger foldable design, one that opens like a book – though such a device appears to be stuck in development limbo.
It's worth noting that earlier rumors suggested a much larger foldable iPhone, akin to the size of an iPad – but Apple ultimately shelved this idea due to development challenges.
I'm not sure if Apple's plans for a smaller foldable iPhone are more about creating a sustainable business model or trying to keep up with the fast-paced tech world 
. On one hand, having a smaller, clamshell-style device could be a clever way to tap into an underserved market and offer consumers more options 
. On the other hand, it feels like Apple is trying to pivot before the market even settles on what foldable means 
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. Does Apple think they can juggle multiple designs and release a smaller one alongside the larger model? It sounds like a lot of balls in the air 
. Can't help but wonder what our collective desire for innovation will cost us in terms of refinement and execution 
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But I'm not sure if a smaller one is what people want...I mean, they love the bigger ones because they can play all their games without having to deal with the screen closing on them. 
The clamshell design might be kinda cool though - it's like an old-school flip phone all over again! 
But for real, I'm excited to see what Apple does with this new foldable model...maybe they'll surprise us and make something amazing? 
! Foldable phones are still kinda new, and I think it's awesome that Apple is thinking about how they can improve the experience with a smaller clamshell model 
. And Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 is already killing the game 
meanwhile they gotta make sure their first foldable iphone doesn't flop lol 
what's with all the variations tho? it's like they can't decide on one design 
anyway, i guess that's just how innovation works, trying out different vibes till you find the right one 
. The clamshell design sounds super interesting, especially if it can rival existing foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 
. I mean, we already have some awesome options on the market now, so let's see how this new design plays out! 
... can't they just stick with what we know and love? I mean, who needs a clamshell-style foldable iPhone? It's like they're trying to create a whole new type of clutter in our pockets 
. And don't even get me started on the "novel form factor" nonsense - sounds like code for "we have no idea what we're doing, but it'll be fancy 
". Give me the old foldable iPhone any day, at least that one was tried and tested... this new stuff is just gimmicky 
.
I'm literally SO stoked about this new foldable iPhone concept from Apple!!! 
It's like they're speaking my language now! 
And I know some people might think it's a bit smaller than the larger foldable model, but honestly, who needs all that extra size when u got this level of innovation? 
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They're not just gonna stop at one foldable iPhone, they wanna create a whole ecosystem around it! And now, this clamshell design thing... I mean, who wouldn't want an iPhone that can flip open like a laptop? Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 is already doing that, but Apple's got the resources and the brand to make it even better. Plus, with a smaller foldable iPhone on the table, they're gonna have some serious competition in this market. But let's be real, I'm hyped for the bigger, more powerful foldable iPhone... like an iPad in your pocket! 
they're so comfy and immersive I just watched Avatar for the first time and it's mind-blowing 
I mean, who needs a foldable phone when you can experience virtual reality like that? and what's with Apple always playing it safe? why not take some risks and come up with something entirely new 
I mean, Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 is cool and all, but it's like trying to play with blocks when you can have LEGO bricks! 
Apple's been teasing this foldable thing for ages, but now it seems like they're really serious about it. A smaller version would be AMAZING - think of being able to take that iPhone out of your pocket and instantly go from a tiny phone to a regular one... it's like magic! 
Can you imagine the apps that'll come with this tech? 
! It makes total sense, considering how cramped our current iPhones can get. A more compact design would definitely be a game-changer for everyday use. Plus, it's not like they're trying to compete with Samsung or Motorola on specs - they just want to offer a fresh alternative that's easy to carry around. And hey, it's always good to have options, right? Let's hope Apple can deliver on this one! 
! I mean, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is cool and all but can't compete with Apple's sleek design 
. I'm literally counting down the days till it drops 
. I think it's cool that Apple's exploring different options 
i mean its cool and all but dont @ me if its just a fancy paperweight 
anyway idk about apple having confidense in this new foldable model it sounds like theyre juggling too many balls 
we need a clear roadmap from them already not some vague promise of more foldables 
