Apple may be researching a small folding iPhone model, alongside the first folding device expected to be launched in the near future.
According to analyst Mark Gurman, Apple is considering a foldable phone model "square, shell-folding", but the possibility of commercialization is still "not guaranteed" and is only in the consideration stage.
If this plan becomes a reality, Apple will directly compete with existing shell-foldable phone models on the market, such as Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 or Motorola's new generation Razr.
Gurman's report also shows that Apple is quite optimistic about the prospects of the first folded iPhone, which is rumored to be launched later this year, and wants to prepare the next options to take advantage of demand if the product is successful.
Previously, Apple even considered a folding device almost the size of a tablet. However, the company is said to have encountered technical difficulties in the development process and may have to postpone the launch date to 2029.
