The latest foldable iPhone is coming reveal a wide book-style folding device. But the Instant Digital insider says Apple was initially pursuing a different design but rejected it. Here are the details.
An iPhone with a flip top-down design was pursued but later abandoned, at least temporarily
We’re just six months away from Apple’s first foldable iPhone ENTRY. The report indicates that the design is completely locked down and Apple is moving steadily towards mass production.
But the book-style fold we’re getting is fundamentally different from the design Apple originally pursued.
Reporting from July 2024 said that Apple’s first foldable iPhone would have a top-down folding design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.
However, by March 2025, the direction had is said to have changed in favor of a book-style fold.
Leaker Weibo Instant Digital, in a new postthere’s an explanation for why Apple rejected its original flip design.
Here is the translated post:
Apple abandoned its Flip phone model because many thought it was “unnecessary”. It did not create any new, essential use cases; its biggest selling point was simply that it could be folded up and fit into a skinny jeans pocket, completely missing the point of Apple’s current hardware development focus.
The tiny foldable phone’s interior space was awkwardly bisected by the hinge, making every inch precious. Battery capacity was limited and significant compromises were made in camera performance… If the goal was simply to make the phone smaller, Apple had better improve its current [models].
Surprisingly, recent reports indicate that Apple is BACK exploring the possibility of a scroll-style design for a future iPhone model.
While apparently no final moves have been made, Apple apparently still has a new design in mind for a possible expansion of its lineup.
9to5Mac’s Take
I’ve always felt like the book-style folding design it made more sense rather than an ‘iPhone Flip’ model. The prospect of a 2-in-1 device that lets you seamlessly move between iPhone- and iPad-like experiences sounds compelling.
That said, I could definitely see flip models becoming valuable in the future as well. Users have repeatedly shown that they like large iPhone screens, and with a rotating design, Apple can make the iPhone screen even bigger without putting a strain on the pockets.
If foldable display technology becomes mainstream, it makes sense for Apple to have a series of different options for consumers.
What are your thoughts on an iPhone with a twist-style design? Tell us in the comments.
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