iPhone Flip release date expectations, price estimates, upgrades
- First clamshell foldable iPhone
- Recognizable iPhone-like design in a clamshell form
- Likely no visible crease on display
- Likely 48 MP main camera
- May be delayed until 2027 or later
- The first clamshell foldable iPhone is expected to come in late 2026 or early 2027.
- Reportedly, Apple planned to release it together with the foldable iPhone Fold but chose not to.
- The device could be indefinitely postponed, according to some rumors.
- Rumors are not claiming a price for the clamshell foldable iPhone, if it's going to come at all.
- It may be more expensive than competitors like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 or Razr devices.
iPhone Flip release date
Apple is said to be working on a foldable iPhone that could launch in late 2026 or early 2027, but it's likely to be the book-style foldable one.
As for the iPhone Flip (or whatever name Apple chooses), this one might come later. It could come sometime in 2027 or beyond. However, a new rumor now claims Apple has tested the phone already, so we may or may not hear something about it during WWDC 2026.
| Foldable | Release date |
|---|---|
| Foldable clamshell iPhone (iPhone Flip) | Early 2027, expected* |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | February 2019 |
| Huawei P50 Pocket | December 2021 |
| Motorola Razr | November 2019 |
iPhone Flip price
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Foldable iPhone Flip | Unknown, but unlikely under $1,099. |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | $1,099 |
| Motorola Razr+ | $999 |
| Oppo Find N3 Flip | Slightly cheaper than the above, but not available in Western markets |
iPhone Flip camera
The main camera will likely be at least 48MP. That's the same as the one on the mid-range iPhone 17e, so it should be more than capable of capturing beautiful, high-quality photos.
iPhone Flip design
Meanwhile, Jon Prosser from Front Page Tech also suggested earlier that Apple may go for two displays like on the Surface Duo. At least, according to Prosser, the company has prototyped it. This would conflict with the other rumors, though, about Apple looking to get rid of the crease in a foldable display. Obviously, if there are two displays, there's no crease per se.
Knowing Apple, we can probably count on the iPhone Flip to feel premium and well-made. It's safe to expect a strong, durable build too.
Reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Cupertino's book-style foldable, possibly called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, may feature a titanium body and a hinge of titanium and stainless steel. If that's the case, there's a good chance the iPhone Flip will follow a similar design for durability and lightness.
We will likely get a much clearer picture of Apple's foldable plans later in the year. Many experts believe the first foldable iPhone is coming in September, and that should give us a solid preview of what to expect from a future Flip model.
iPhone Flip display
To crease or not to crease seems to be Apple's dilemma when it comes to foldables. Foldable phones still have a crease right now, despite it being very minimal with new models.
Several rumors say that Apple's foldable iPhone might not have a crease at all. The crease is, by the way, that the visible line where the screen usually folds.
If Apple really does manage to get rid of the crease on the larger foldable model, there's a good chance that same smooth-screen tech will make its way to the iPhone Flip too. Rumor has it the crease may not be eliminated on the 'iPhone Fold', as that would've made the model too expensive. But it's too early to be certain about the flip-style iPhone.
Over the last few years, rumors have been contradictory on which display maker may supply the display for the foldable iPhone. Rumor has it Cupertino has been speaking with both LG and Samsung for foldable displays, but it is not clear which one Apple has chosen just yet.
As for display sizes, everything is under wraps at the moment. Competing devices with the clamshell form factor may give you an idea (somewhat) of what display sizes you can imagine for Apple's take:
- Galaxy Z Flip 6: 6.7-inch folding display, 3.4-inch cover display
- Motorola Razr+: 6.9-inch folding display, 3.6-inch cover display
- Oppo Find N3 Flip: 6.8-inch folding display, 3.3-inch cover display
So, picture a big display with a regular smartphone ratio, more or less. The big display coupled with the foldable form factor (portability, you know) is one of the finest advantages of foldable phones in general.
iPhone Flip battery
These higher-density cells are designed to store more energy within the same physical space. The battery size is unknown, but I'm pretty sure it will be just enough for you not to worry about it.
iPhone Flip software
We don't yet know which iOS version the iPhone Flip will run. Most likely, it'll be a special version of iOS designed for the foldable screen – maybe with features like Samsung's Flex Mode, where you can watch a video on the top half and type on the bottom.
We can also safely expect Apple Intelligence, and hopefully by the time this iPhone is released, the promised context-aware Siri will also be in the game.
Knowing Apple, the Flip will probably get software updates for many years, just like their other phones.
Should I wait for the iPhone Flip?
- You should wait for the iPhone Flip ifyou currently rock a new iPhone (so you're not in immediate need of an upgrade) and want to take advantage of the portability of a foldable iPhone. Also, you should wait if you like foldables, but you don't like creases or Android.
- You should not wait for iPhone Flip ifyou like the current foldables, butyou don't necessarily fancy iOS. Furthermore, if you're in dire need of upgrading your iPhone, becausethe iPhone Flip is not expected until at least 2027.
