The iPhone has come a long way since its introduction in 2007, and while the design has changed over the years, it has always been a slab-style smartphone. However, rumors have been circulating for years about the possibility of Apple releasing a flip phone-style iPhone, and in recent months, those rumors have been heating up. So, what do we know about the iPhone flip?
One of the most prominent leaks came from a well-known Apple leaker, Jon Prosser, who tweeted in November 2020 that Apple was working on a “foldable iPhone” prototype with a “clamshell” design. Prosser also shared some renders of what the device could look like, based on information he had received from his sources.
The renders show an iPhone with a flip phone-style design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or the Motorola Razr. The device has a foldable OLED display on the inside, with a smaller external display for notifications and quick access to apps.
In January 2021, another report from The Elec, a Korean news outlet, claimed that Samsung was providing foldable displays to both Apple and Google for their upcoming foldable smartphones. The report specifically mentioned that Apple’s device would be a clamshell-style foldable, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip.
So, what would be the advantages of an iPhone flip? For one, it would offer a more compact form factor, making it easier to carry in a pocket or purse. It could also offer a larger display than a traditional iPhone, as the foldable OLED display could be unfolded to provide more screen real estate. Additionally, a flip phone-style design could appeal to users who miss the days of the iconic Motorola Razr or who prefer physical buttons for certain functions.
Of course, there are also some potential downsides to a flip phone-style iPhone. For one, it could be more expensive than traditional iPhones, as foldable displays are still relatively new and expensive to produce. It could also be less durable than a traditional iPhone, as the folding mechanism could be more prone to wear and tear.
At this point, we don’t know when or even if Apple will release an iPhone flip. However, the rumors and leaks suggest that it’s at least something that Apple is considering. If and when an iPhone flip is released, it could be a game-changer for the smartphone industry, offering a new form factor and design that could appeal to a wide range of users.
it’s important to note that Apple has not officially confirmed the existence of an iPhone flip, so everything we know is based on rumors and leaks. That being said, there have been a number of leaks and reports suggesting that Apple is indeed working on a flip phone-style iPhone.