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A Folding iPhone? We're Interested
Apple's no stranger to trying new things
By Joshua Hawkins Joshua Hawkins Freelance Technology Reporter Full Sail University Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 2, 2021 01:24PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Phones Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Key Takeaways
Apple is working on a new foldable iPhone, according to leaks.The folding iPhone is rumored to include a clamshell design reminiscent of older flip phones like the Motorola Razr.If true, Apple could have a very appealing device that offers the functions of an iPhone in a device that’s easier to carry. Technizo Concept With the iPhone still topping the sales charts, a foldable iPhone could be what’s needed to make flip phones more appealing. Leaks and rumors about Apple’s work on a foldable iPhone have been popping up for months now. The latest information from well-known insider Jon Prosser seems to suggest that Apple not only has settled on a clamshell design reminiscent of old flip phones, but that the company also is considering multiple "fun" colors. If so, Apple could make the device more appealing to mainstream users, as opposed to going for a more expensive premium option like some competitors. The Foldable iPhone: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors "Companies like Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei are already working on foldable designs," Waqar Ahmed, a marketing expert at Appstirr, told Lifewire in an email. "The major benefits of using [a] clamshell design is it improves screen protection while in your pocket, and makes the phone smaller when storing it." To Flip or Not to Flip
It probably seems a little silly to see smartphones like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy transformed into the classic style of old flip phones, but the benefits are there for those who want to take advantage of them. Not only does the flip-phone style give you a smaller device when it’s in your pocket, but it also means you don’t have to give up any of the larger-screen capacity just to be able to store it better. Phones like the iPhone SE and iPhone 12 mini offer smaller variants of the iPhone, but they also include smaller screen sizes. If you aren’t the type who wants to give up your screen real estate just to have a smaller device, then a clamshell folding phone might be another option. The success of phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip also have shown that people are still interested in these types of devices. In March 2020—just after the Z Flip launched—the device garnered almost half a million sales. While that might not seem like much compared to the 350,000 units that the Galaxy S20 series sold in its first two weeks, for a new style that breaks away from the mainstream market, the Z Flip’s numbers are worth noting. Finding Appeal
Another factor to keep in mind when discussing the folding iPhone is the overall appeal of Apple's devices within the smartphone user base. While Samsung’s Z Flip might not have seen the same amount of sales as the main Galaxy line, the number of people purchasing Apple devices is much larger. The success of phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip have also shown that people are still interested in these types of devices. The appeal for smaller iPhones is also out there, which is evident thanks to the iPhone SE staking its claim as the second-best-selling smartphone of 2020. The iPhone 12 mini also made the list, coming in as one of the top 10 selling devices of the year. Yes, it’s true that many enjoy the larger phones, but that doesn’t mean the smaller devices have been ruled out completely. Not yet, at least. You also have to take into account that many companies finally have begun phasing out support for 3G, which has pushed users to upgrade to smartphones they might not have purchased before. This is also another area where a clamshell design could be appealing to many, since it would fit the designs they’re used to, while also providing the capabilities of newer tech. LetsGo Digital Apple is no stranger to trying new things, which is why these leaks and rumors aren’t all that surprising. Groups like ConceptsiPhone and LetsGoDigital already have started putting together renderings of what a folding iPhone could look like. If the final design is anything like those, the device could appeal to a great number of users who want to break away from the traditional smartphone design. Of course, a folding iPhone is probably still years away, according to Prosser, and there’s always the chance the phone is canceled before it comes to store shelves. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Foldable iPhone: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors Samsung Unpacked 2022: Announcements, News, and More Samsung Z Fold 4: News, Rumors, Price, Release Date, and Specs Galaxy Z Fold 3: News, Price, Release Date, and Specs Samsung Z Flip 4: News, Price, Release Date, and Specs Foldable MacBook: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors Google Pixel Fold: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: Price, Release Date, Specs, and News Rollable Pixel: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors Which iPhone Should You Buy? How to Watch Samsung Unpacked Online (2022) Where to Download iPhone Manuals for Every Model Microsoft Surface Trio: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors iPhone 15: News, Rumors, and Estimated Price, Release Date, and Specs iPhone SE Plus: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors Samsung New Phone Release Dates, Specs, News, and Rumors Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies