iPhone Flip: Apple's First Foldable iPhone is Going to be a Clamshell, Renowned Leaker Says

Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone is closer to becoming a reality than you might think. If the string of leaks following this anticipated device is any guide, Apple has already been testing prototypes, and it seems that they have decided on a form factor. 

Jon Prosser, YouTuber and phone leaker, reports the alleged new design. In his recent video, Mr. Prosser revealed that the so-called iPhone Flip has a clamshell form — think Motorola’s Razr or the Galaxy Z Flip. 

Why Apple picked the flip-up design over the ‘phone-to-tablet’ form factor is up for speculation. But based on the recent iPhone 12 Mini, Apple is invested in bringing back more pocketable phones. And a device that folds into half its original footprint would be the perfect fit.

The leaker also points out that the iPhone Flip will be available in the expressive and colorful palette of base iPhones as opposed to the more somber and timeless shades of the Pro models. 

To Mr. Prosser, it suggests that the iPhone Flip could be marketed towards the relatively “budget-conscious” consumer. It would be an excellent way to undercut the competitors but, Apple’s track record says otherwise.

Apple’s foldable devices have been undergoing testing in Taiwan, a Chinese news outlet, citing Apple’s supply chain as their source, has previously claimed. The report also said that Samsung is manufacturing the foldable displays for Apple and is actively involved in their testing process. But the prototypes are still in the early stages of development.

Lastly, almost every report so far agrees that the iPhone Flip won’t come out (if it ever does) before 2023 —  well after this year’s iPhone 13.