Back in 2005, nothing felt more sophisticated than ending a call by snapping shut a clamshell flip phone. Fast forward two decades, and this nostalgic device is making a comeback, with Apple rumored to be developing its first-ever flip phone. As the tech world buzzes with excitement, details about the new device remain scarce. Speculations suggest it could either resemble Samsung’s Flip design—evoking the classic 2000s clamshell style—or take inspiration from its Fold model, akin to a foldable iPad.
The traditional rectangular smartphone has dominated the market for the past 15 years. However, Apple’s venture into the flip phone arena raises questions about whether this trend is about to shift. Tech experts have indicated that the new product launch could reflect a growing consumer preference for devices that enhance their online experience, shifting away from reliance on laptops and tablets.
Ben Wood, an analyst at the tech consultancy CCS Insight, explained, “Apple and all other smartphone makers are somewhat stymied by the fact the smartphone has become somewhat of a boring category. It’s absolutely essential in people’s daily lives, but it no longer has the excitement of the next big thing.” This sentiment might explain why Apple is exploring new designs that can rekindle consumer interest, such as the ultra-thin iPhone expected to launch in September.
Wood suggests that Apple’s entry into the foldable market comes after observing other companies’ initial experiments. Samsung’s early Galaxy Fold models faced significant challenges with screen durability; however, the upcoming Galaxy Fold 7 is anticipated to embody the “next generation” of foldable phones. “Apple is rarely first to anything—it likes to take its time, refine, and optimize before delivering the best, most reliable experience,” Wood noted.
He also pointed out that Samsung’s flip phone has gained popularity over its foldable counterpart due to its affordability and the appeal of owning something unique. Wood believes that Apple’s potential release of a foldable mini-tablet could significantly impact the market by offering users a larger screen for watching videos, displaying photos, and efficiently working remotely.
Margarita Panayiotou, a tech researcher at the University of Manchester, highlighted that academic studies reveal a preference for larger screens, particularly for browsing and gaming. This trend aligns with the fact that younger demographics increasingly use smartphones for online activities, suggesting that a foldable design could strike a perfect balance between portability and functionality.
Prof. Ben Carter from King’s College London concurs, noting that video consumption is a significant advantage of foldable phones, as they can provide larger screens that are also adjustable for better viewing angles. He also mentioned potential mental health benefits associated with a foldable design that resembles a “mini-laptop.” His research indicates that disabling notifications effectively reduces screen time and combats smartphone addiction.
Carter explained that if the screen is folded away, it removes the “variable reward scheme” linked to smartphone usage, similar to gambling addiction, where uncertainty heightens engagement. “If you can switch it off, more like a laptop, that distraction has gone,” he said. Although there is no current evidence indicating that consumers use foldable phones in this manner, the design could be particularly beneficial for children, who receive an average of over 200 notifications a day.
However, the high price point of foldable phones may limit accessibility, with many young users likely to acquire them only through secondhand models passed down from parents years after their initial release.
Finally, Prof. David Ellis, chair of behavioral science at the University of Bath, emphasized additional attractions of flip phones, including superior screen protection and their compact size, which fits more easily into smaller pockets. He also noted the nostalgia factor that accompanies the flip phone design, further enhancing its allure in today’s tech landscape.
As Apple gears up to potentially launch its first foldable phone, industry observers are closely watching how this could redefine consumer expectations and reshape the future of smartphone design.
