Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone likely to be modelled after the Galaxy Z Flip's clamshell design

Some time ago, we reported that Apple tested two foldable iPhone prototypes in its Foxconn facilities. One was modelled on the Samsung Galaxy Fold, while the other followed the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip path. However, Apple planned on using only one design and scrapping the other. Some new information from notorious Apple leaker Jon Prosser suggests that the upcoming foldable iPhone could employ a clamshell design.

Prosser also adds that the foldable iPhone will be available in several colourways, similar to that of the base iPhones such as the iPhone XR, iPhone 11 and iPhone 12. This, according to Prosser, is a sign that Apple wants to market the foldable iPhone as an entry-level device. While that might seem like a ludicrous prospect in the current year, but could make more sense in the future. As always, we should treat the information with a healthy dose of scepticism. Although Prosser has been right about several things in the past, many of his 'big' predictions turned out to be damp squibs.

It is abundantly clear that the foldable iPhone isn't due for release until 2022 at earliest. Knowing how Apple likes to sit on 'next-generation' tech until it matures, 2023 seems like a more reasonable date. By then, foldable glasses' prices should have gone down enough to allow Apple to sell the foldable iPhone at a reasonable-ish price. It is hard to tell what would constitute 'reasonable' in 2023, considering that US$1,400 is pretty much the 'industry standard' for high-end smartphones today.

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