Apple Is Gearing Up for Foldables: Book-Style iPhone First, Clamshell Model on the Horizon

Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with more than one design in mind. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is not only readying its first foldable iPhone but is also internally exploring a clamshell-style alternative.

This approach suggests Apple aims to establish a broader foldable lineup rather than relying on a single form factor.

The First Foldable: Book-Style Design

Gurman’s Power On newsletter reveals that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will adopt a book-style form, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. The device is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims the phone will feature a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen, while JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee estimates a price of $1,999.

Refined Design and Hardware Upgrades

Leaks from Chinese source Instant Digital highlight several design changes, including relocated volume buttons on the top edge, a black camera plateau with two horizontally aligned cameras, a smaller Dynamic Island with a single punch-hole camera, and what could be the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, potentially reaching 6,000 mAh.

Clamshell iPhone: Still Under Consideration

While the book-style foldable moves closer to launch, Apple is reportedly testing a square-shaped clamshell foldable phone internally. This device would compete directly with the Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr lines.

However, Gurman emphasizes that this model is far from guaranteed and remains under evaluation with no confirmed release window.

Staggered Launch Plan for 2026

Apple is also planning a staggered release schedule in 2026. Premium models—including the foldable iPhone—are set for fall 2026, while standard iPhone 18 models are expected in early 2027. Meanwhile, plans for a larger foldable iPad-like device have reportedly been pushed back to 2029.