Apple iPhone Flip apparently cancelled
According to the Weibo leaker Instant Digital, although the development of an Apple iPhone Flip was under consideration, Apple ultimately abandoned the plans because they offered no compelling new use cases. Apple deemed the design “unnecessary” since its biggest selling point would have been its smaller size when folded.
The split design of the Apple iPhone Flip also led to internal problems, limiting battery capacity and leaving less space for the camera components. This would have forced Apple to compromise on the rear camera system. Instant Digital speculates that if Apple had wanted a smaller iPhone, it would have released a smaller, thinner model instead.
Apple iPhone Flip has already been put to the test twice
There were two phases in which rumors circulated that Apple was considering an iPhone that could be folded like a clamshell. The first rumors surfaced years ago, before the reporting shifted to Apple’s work on the larger, book-like iPhone Ultra, which is scheduled for release this year. The second rumors surfaced in February 2026, when rumors suggested that Apple is reviewing the design again.
It is unclear whether Instant Digital is referring to the earlier rumors or the more recent rumors from February, but the wording suggests the latter.
Samsung has long offered two foldable smartphone models: the Galaxy Z Fold7 and the Galaxy Z Flip7. Smaller iPhones, however, failed to gain traction. Apple did offer a 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini and a iPhone 13 mini, but the devices were discontinued after two generations due to poor sales figures.
Given Apple’s difficulties in selling more compact iPhones like the iPhone mini, it is perhaps not surprising that a foldable Apple iPhone Flip in a clamshell design has been put on hold for the time being.
