Since this is a translation of an overseas article, there may be mistranslations.
https://wccftech.com/apple-exploring-iphone-flip-with-a-clamshell-design/
There is news that Apple is considering an iPhone Flip with a clamshell design.
Apple is exploring the possibility of launching an iPhone Flip with a clamshell design. The company hopes that the iPhone Fold will create real demand and allow it to continue pushing this form factor.
This clamshell design is expected to be cheaper to manufacture, but this scenario is only possible if Apple can first generate sufficient demand for the iPhone Fold.
The iPhone Flip could be a new clamshell device that allows Apple to expand its product portfolio in this category and compete with its biggest rival, Samsung. The current device referred to as the iPhone Flip is not yet an official name, but Apple is considering launching it in the near future. However, whether this product actually comes to fruition depends on how successful the first foldable flagship model, expected to be launched alongside the high-end iPhone 18 series later this year.
While the iPhone Flip may be less practical than the iPhone Fold, it is expected that the launch of the iPhone Fold will encourage customers to replace their devices.
Just as Samsung was the first to introduce a book-like foldable smartphone to the public. Apple is taking a similar approach with the iPhone Fold. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg revealed in his latest newsletter, Power On, that Apple hopes the first model will gain enough momentum to make the launch of the iPhone Flip economically viable.
https://x.com/MacRumors/status/2018011789037019484?s=20
It is still too early to say for sure that this product will be launched. Nevertheless, Apple believes that the first foldable iPhone will be successful enough to create real demand in this category and that customers will want additional shapes and sizes, just as they have done with traditional bar-shaped iPhones.
This is not the first time the design of the iPhone Flip has been mentioned. Apple has previously been reported to have set a target launch date for a clamshell foldable smartphone of 2028. Expected to be cheaper than the iPhone Fold but with the latest internal specifications, it could be a compelling purchase for customers. Of course, given Apple's tendency to set ambitious sales targets, there is a high chance that if the iPhone Fold does not meet its goals, the iPhone Flip may never be released.
Apple's biggest concern is that the sales increase of one product will cannibalize sales of other iPhone models and complicate the product lineup. Therefore, this decision will be a very difficult one for Apple. We will continue to keep our readers updated on this news, so please stay tuned.
▶ Source: https://wccftech.com/apple-exploring-iphone-flip-with-a-clamshell-design/
