Apple is rumored to develop a clamshell foldable iPhone to challenge Samsung's Flip

Industry insiders say Apple is quietly exploring a flip-style phone that would join the foldable market dominated by a handful of rivals. The concept envisions a compact device that folds in half, echoing the aesthetics of earlier flip phones while leveraging Apple's reputation for premium materials and seamless software integration. Analysts note that a clamshell design could address lingering concerns about durability and bulk that have hampered earlier attempts at larger, book-style foldables. If realized, the device would likely lean on a refined hinge mechanism and a software layer that adapts fluidly between open and closed modes, positioning it as a direct answer to the sleek, pocket-friendly offerings from Samsung and Motorola. The move would signal Apple's willingness to expand beyond its traditional slab form factor, potentially reshaping consumer expectations for high-end smartphones and intensifying competition in a segment still in its infancy.