Apple’s 2028 Foldable iPhone Brings Back the Flip – with a Luxury Twist

Apple’s return to the foldable game seems closer than ever, and this time, the company isn’t just following trends – it’s rewriting them. According to recent reports from industry insiders, Apple is preparing to release not one but two distinct foldable iPhone models: a book-style version expected in 2026, followed by a sleek clamshell design planned for 2028.

This strategic two-phase launch suggests Apple is taking a long-term approach, avoiding the early missteps that plagued its rivals and waiting until both the technology and the experience meet its exacting standards.

The first foldable, often dubbed the “iPhone Fold,” will resemble Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series with a vertical hinge and expansive display suited for multitasking and productivity. But the second – expected to arrive two years later – may be the more intriguing device. The 2028 clamshell iPhone will reportedly revive the spirit of classic flip phones, merging nostalgia with cutting-edge engineering. It’s being developed as Apple’s answer to a growing demand for compact, fashion-forward devices that don’t compromise performance.

Industry analyst Kim Ki-hyun of Stone Partners shared these developments during the ETNews “Tech Summit,” revealing that Apple has already partnered with key suppliers to begin preparing components for the 2026 model. Kim emphasized that Apple’s foldable strategy isn’t just about catching up but about creating a durable, refined product that can define the next generation of smartphone design. He added that the company plans to diversify its lineup by early 2028 – an indicator that foldable devices will become a lasting part of Apple’s ecosystem rather than a passing experiment.

Technologically, Apple seems determined to raise the bar. The foldable iPhone is rumored to incorporate LTPO panels, COE, CPM, Clear OC, and even an in-display camera, paired with a Glass Mid-Frame for enhanced structural rigidity. This combination could give Apple’s device a more seamless look and feel than current competitors. While Samsung, Motorola, and others have made significant progress in flexible display durability, Apple appears intent on solving two long-standing challenges: the visible screen crease and hinge longevity. According to insiders, the hinge will be built from a hybrid alloy engineered to maintain strength over thousands of folds, ensuring that users experience no mechanical fatigue or wobble.

The clamshell variant represents a bold move for Apple, targeting style-conscious consumers who want portability without sacrificing display quality. When folded, it becomes pocket-sized; when opened, it offers a full-screen OLED experience that rivals traditional models. The company’s deliberate delay, many experts argue, is a strength rather than a weakness – it allows Apple to sidestep early design flaws that competitors faced, particularly around hinge wear and panel deformation.

With the 2028 flip-style iPhone, Apple isn’t merely reviving the nostalgia of the early 2000s flip phones – it’s transforming it into a symbol of modern luxury and engineering precision. While pricing hasn’t been confirmed, it’s safe to assume that Apple’s foldables will command a premium well above $2,000, placing them firmly in the ultra-high-end segment. But then again, Apple has never competed on price; it competes on experience, design, and desirability.

In the end, Apple’s entry into the foldable market feels less like a rush to catch up and more like a calculated evolution of the iPhone legacy. The question now isn’t whether Apple can make a foldable – but whether it can make one that feels truly magical.