March 12, 2026, 1:42 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
This fall, three new iPhone models are expected to be released: iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and a completely new foldable iPhone, which is supposed to be called “Fold” or “Ultra.” The latter represents Apple’s first step into the foldable market. If the device proves successful, more are expected to follow. However, the company has reportedly scrapped plans for a specific format.
New Model Deemed “Unnecessary”
In February 2026, a Bloomberg industry report suggested that Apple was considering developing a foldable iPhone in a flip format. The company is currently finalizing the iPhone Fold, which is set to be released in fall 2026. However, the Fold is expected to come in a book format and fold along the vertical axis. The plans for the iPhone Flip envisioned a foldable that folds horizontally to make a “normal” sized device more compact. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series has popularized this format.
The well-known leaker Instant Digital announced in a post on the Chinese blog platform Weibo that Apple will no longer pursue the iPhone Flip plans. According to the post, the design was considered “unnecessary” internally because it offered no new features, focusing only on compactness. This does not align with Apple’s current strategic direction in hardware development.
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Aside from the format, the Flip would not differ from other iPhones. If the goal were merely to produce a more compact iPhone, Apple would have optimized an existing model. However, the company has not had good experiences with smaller models. Due to low sales figures, the mini series was discontinued after just two models (12 mini and 13 mini).
Apple Already Planning Successor for Foldable iPhone
Images Show iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro Size Comparison
High Technical Demands
The decision against the Flip format is primarily due to the complex construction required. The hinge not only takes up a lot of space inside but also necessitates splitting the battery to avoid significantly affecting battery life.
There would also have been less space for the camera, necessitating compromises on the built-in sensors.
Fold Instead of Flip
Rumors about an iPhone in a flip format existed long before Apple even began developing the iPhone Fold. In 2022, YouTubers built the first foldable iPhone based on the knowledge available at the time. It was only later that Apple shifted its focus to a larger fold model in a book format.
The first foldable iPhone is expected to have a 7.8-inch display when unfolded and, for the first time, support multitasking with multiple windows like on the iPad. When folded, it is expected to be barely larger than the earlier iPhone mini models, with a 5.5-inch display diagonal.