iPhone Fold: Apple's initial plan was very different

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The iPhone Fold is considered one of the most exciting upcoming Apple products. Several reports and leaks suggest that Apple is close to launching its first foldable iPhone. The device is said to unfold like a book and offer a significantly larger display when open.

However, new information reveals that Apple originally pursued a completely different concept. According to this information, the company initially worked on a folding design that could be folded vertically. This concept was later abandoned.

Foldable smartphones are now available in two main variants: devices in a book design that open like a book, and so-called flip models that can be folded vertically.

Apple apparently examined both approaches internally. According to recent leaks, however, the company decided against the folding design, as it did not offer sufficient added value from Apple's perspective and simultaneously entailed technical disadvantages.

Apple's original folding design

According to reports from July 2024, the first iPhone Fold was originally intended to have a top-down folding design. This concept would have been similar in design to existing flip smartphones.

The biggest advantage of such a design lies in its compactness. When folded, the smartphone would have been significantly smaller and would have easily fit into a narrow jeans or trouser pocket.

However, in March 2025, Apple changed its strategy and opted instead for a foldable, book-style device.

Leak explains the decision

Weibo leaker Instant Digital published a post explaining the reasons for this decision. According to him, many developers at Apple considered the folding design "unnecessary".

The main argument for a flip device would simply have been its smaller size when folded. However, this design would hardly have created any new application scenarios. And that's precisely what Apple places great emphasis on with new hardware products.

Technical disadvantages of the flip design

Another reason for the decision against the folding design was technical limitations.

The hinge divides the interior of a small flip phone into two compartments. This severely limits the available space inside the casing. This would have caused several problems:

Limited battery capacity due to less space for a large battery.
Compromises regarding the camera, because high-quality camera systems require more space.
More difficult internal construction due to the division of components around the hinge

According to the leak, Apple would have had to make significant cutbacks in several areas.

The current concept of the iPhone Fold

Instead of a clamshell design, Apple is now apparently opting for a book-style design. This concept allows for a significantly larger display when opened.

This allows the iPhone Fold to combine two devices in one: a classic smartphone when closed and a tablet-like device once the display is fully opened.

This 2-in-1 experience is considered one of the main reasons why Apple prefers this design.

A flip iPhone remains possible

Although Apple initially dismissed the foldable design, such a device could still appear in the future. Recent reports suggest that Apple is still considering a flip iPhone.

Such a model could become particularly interesting if foldable displays become more robust and affordable. In that case, Apple could expand its product range to include several foldable devices.

Why Apple is using a different design for the iPhone Fold

The development of the iPhone Fold shows that Apple tested various design concepts before making a final decision. A folding design was initially pursued but later abandoned.

The main reason lies in the limited practical use and technical challenges with the battery, camera, and casing design. Instead, Apple is currently focusing on a foldable, book-style device that aims to combine the functions of a smartphone and a tablet.

In the long term, Apple could still develop further foldable models. The iPhone Fold would then only be the first step into a new product category. (Image: Shutterstock / BigTunaOnline)