- An iPhone Flip is said to be in the testing phase at Apple
- It joins the iPhone Fold, which is expected to launch later in 2026
- Apparently, Apple has not yet decided on mass production
There’s another twist in the foldable iPhone tale, as Apple is now rumored to be testing the idea of a flip-style foldable handset, as well as the book-style foldable that’s widely expected to launch later this year – and it could have a serious impact on our list of best foldable phones.
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. According to the leaker, it is unknown whether it will actually go into mass production.
It would certainly make sense for Apple to at least consider the idea of launching an iPhone that can be folded from top to bottom as well as from side to side. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 have shown how compact and pocket-friendly these foldables can be when closed.
And it’s not the first time an iPhone Flip has been rumored – hints of such a phone go back to at least 2021, but with the iPhone Fold looking almost certain to launch sometime in 2026, it looks like 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 roughly regular-sized phone – although with the flip approach you fold the screen down, and with the book approach you open the screen out instead.
Which is best really comes 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 pictures and checking information while in their closed form.
Of course, we now also have triple phones from Huawei and Samsung, giving you access to an even bigger screen. But for its first foldable, Apple looks like it will stick with the classic single-hinge approach.
Earlier this month, the specs and design of the iPhone Fold leaked online, and according to those in the know, it’s likely to appear in September with the iPhone 18 Pro – and an iPhone Flip might not be too far behind.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, video unboxings, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
