According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s long-rumoured foldable debut - widely expected in late 2026 - is just the opening move in a broader foldables strategy.

The first model is said to resemble the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold form factor, unfolding into a near-tablet experience roughly the size of an iPad mini.

But Gurman has claimed Apple is also exploring a smaller, square clamshell design, similar in concept to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

If realised, that would give Apple two distinct foldable paths, one being a productivity-focused “iPhone Fold” and the other a more compact, lifestyle-oriented “iPhone Flip”.

Gurman has cautioned the clamshell model is “far from guaranteed”, but has claimed it could follow if the first foldable proves commercially successful.

Leaks around the initial foldable paint a picture of a highly ambitious - and expensive - device, potentially costing between $2,000 and $2,500.

It’s expected to feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen that Apple is reportedly pushing to be crease-free, using advanced OLED technology believed to be supplied by Samsung.

Internally, the phone could run an A20 Pro chip with 12GB of RAM, alongside Apple’s next-generation cellular and wireless modems.

Some reports suggest a battery capacity of at least 5,500mAh, potentially the largest ever in an iPhone.

Design rumours also hint at some unconventional choices, as the volume buttons may be placed along the top edge - more like an iPad mini than a traditional iPhone - while Touch ID could return via a side-mounted power button, replacing Face ID to save internal space.

Meanwhile, the flip-style model would pose a different challenge.

Clamshell foldables such as the Motorola Razr are typically cheaper and simpler than book-style designs - a pricing dynamic Apple has historically struggled to match.

That could force Apple to differentiate through camera quality, build materials, or software features aimed at creators rather than cost-conscious buyers.