There are a lot of rumors about the iPhone Flip, Apple’s folding phone, but so far it’s unclear what type of design the phone will use. A foldable design like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 2? Or a flip phone shell like the Galaxy Z Flip 3?
Apple said it considered both options, but according to a new report by Jon Prosser, it appears that Cupertino is opting for the latter.
According to the latest episode of Front Page Tech, Prosser’s video program, sources say Apple put both iPhone’s Flip prototypes in a challenge and decided to focus its attention on the shell design. That’s right, the way things are going, the first foldable iPhone could be the first Apple flip phone.
Prosser notes that Apple is not far ahead on this project, dismissing rumors and reports that say we may see the iPhone Flip as early as next year. Prosser also notes that Apple is planning to launch the phone in a multitude of “fun” colors and speculates that this could mean that it is being configured as a general-purpose device for the masses.
In other words, the iPhone Flip may not be as expensive as some other foldable phones. At the moment, the Galaxy Z Flip 5G sells for $ 1,199, which represents a $ 250 discount on the original price. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 currently costs $ 999, which represents a colossal discount of $ 1,000 since we reviewed the phone.
It is not clear why Apple would choose the shell design for the foldable iPhone. Obviously, the design of a flip phone takes up less space than a folding tablet, while maintaining a full-sized iPhone screen. A larger iPhone of the tablet type would inevitably be compared to the iPad, which Apple may want to avoid.
Of course, things can change. If the development of the iPhone Flip is still at an early stage, says Prosser, there are still many opportunities for Apple to change lanes and move in a different direction.
Whether this will really happen is another question, and we won’t know for sure until we hear more leaks or Apple makes some kind of official announcement. I wouldn’t expect this to happen for some time.
We’ll bring you more about the iPhone Flip as we hear it. Meanwhile, Samsung is preparing a Galaxy Z Flip 3 for this year.