Apple is rumored to be working on an iPhone Flip as well as an iPhone Fold

• An iPhone Flip is rumored to be in the testing phase at Apple
• It joins the iPhone Fold, expected to launch later in 2026
• Apple apparently has yet to decide about mass production

There's another twist in the tale of the foldable iPhone, as Apple is now rumored to be testing out the idea of a flip-style folding handset, as well as the book-style foldable widely expected to launch later this year – and that may have a serious impact on our best folding phones list.

This comes from well-known tipster Fixed Focus Digital (via 9to5Mac), who says that a flip foldable has definitely been looked at by Apple's engineers. However, whether it will actually make it into mass production remains to be seen, according to the leaker.

It would certainly make sense for Apple to be at least weighing up the idea of launching an iPhone that folds from top to bottom as well as from side to side. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 have shown how compact and pocketable these foldables can be, when they're closed.

And it's not the first time that an iPhone Flip has been rumored – hints about such a phone go back to at least 2021, though with the iPhone Fold looking almost certain to launch during 2026, it seems Apple is more serious about these form factors than it's ever been.

Flip vs Fold

Both flip-style foldables and book-style foldables start as a phone of around regular size – although with the flip approach you then fold the screen down, and with the book approach you open the screen out instead.

Which is best is really down to personal preference and how you use your phone. Something like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 gives you a bigger screen if you need it, while flip phones – like the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 – can still be useful for taking photos and checking info while in their closed-down form.

Of course we now have triple-fold phones too, from Huawei and Samsung, giving you access to an even bigger screen. However, for its first foldable, Apple looks as though it will stick to the classic single hinge approach.

Earlier this month the specs and the design of the iPhone Fold spilled out online, and according to those in the know, it's likely to show up in September with the iPhone 18 Pro – and an iPhone Flip may not be that far behind.

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