In his latest video (embedded below), popular industry insider Jon Prosser reveals that Apple has finalized the form factor for a new foldable iPhone, and both the decision and launch strategy may come as a surprise.
“[Apple] is leaning heavily in favor of a clamshell [iPhone design],” says Prosser, who explains that the company has decided against prioritizing the more popular phone-becomes-a-tablet form factor which has dominated foldable smartphones to date. “My sources aren’t exactly sure why, all they know is the clamshell is now having the majority of the attention placed on it behind the scenes… [and] is getting elevated behind the scenes in terms of a production timeline.”
But the most interesting aspect to Prosser’s news may be something that appears minor: the colors. “One of the goals of this clamshell-style foldable iPhone is to offer it in multiple colors, like fun colors, similar to base model iPhones… which tells us who this phone will be marketed towards.”
Apple launching a foldable iPhone will turn heads, but Apple launching a foldable iPhone at a reasonable price could be game changing. It may also explain the form factor decision: clamshell for the masses (the size of an iPhone 12 Mini in your pocket, but a large screen in use) with a phone-becomes-a-tablet form factor coming later for Pro users.