For years, Apple has consistently played the role of the “latecomer to the revolution.” After all, by the time the foldable screen market had solidified into a “two-horse race” and third-generation foldable phones began introducing iterative upgrades and differentiated products, Apple's iPhone Fold finally made its long-awaited debut—finally ready to submit its first foldable screen offering.

They say “learn to walk before you run,” but Apple doesn't seem to agree: when it comes to foldable screens, they appear to be in a bit of a hurry.

Apple is internally developing a smaller, more compact foldable iPhone that is neither a large book-style foldable nor the rumored wide-screen foldable, but rather closer in form factor to existing small foldables.

This potential “iPhone Flip” is expected to be the second-generation foldable iPhone, launching in the fall of 2027.

In fact, by examining Apple's foldable screen technology patents disclosed over the past year or two, we can already see the company's ultimate goal:

“Foldable” technology isn't limited to the iPhone; it's a capability that will gradually be introduced across Apple's entire product line.

Why make small folds?

Apple's two-step strategy for foldable devices appears increasingly clear.

According to current reliable leaks, this year's iPhone Fold will adopt a “wide-fold” design similar to Huawei's Pura X. The inner screen will feature a landscape orientation with a width-to-height ratio greater than 1:1, boasting a display area comparable to the iPad mini.

Meanwhile, the elusive iPhone Flip is rumored to return to its original compact foldable form, featuring a vertical folding design. When unfolded, its internal display area and aspect ratio are said to be similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The earlier rumored foldable iPad project stalled due to development hurdles, but this iPhone Flip is now undergoing accelerated testing.

Apple's bet is this: once the first foldable iPhone validates consumer demand for the category, users will inevitably seek more diverse form factors—much like the differentiation seen in standard smartphones (coexistence of Pro Max and Air models).

At that point, the Fold will cater to productivity, while the Flip will champion style and differentiation.