I’ve spent the previous few weeks with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, and I’m extra satisfied than ever: flip telephones are higher smartphones. So why is Apple, the corporate that when redefined smartphones, sitting on the sidelines?
I’ve some theories, and I feel an Apple iPhone Flip could be incredible, if Apple can deliver something new to flip telephones.
Flip telephones are the very best cellphone design, and I will not be taking questions
(Picture credit score: Philip Berne / Future)
Earlier than we debate Apple’s motives, let’s agree on a easy truth – sensible flip telephones are superior to flat telephones. The reason being easy: two screens.
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The duvet show on immediately’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 or Moto Razr Extremely gives a brand new philosophy of use. It’s a palm-sized communicator, prepared for navigating, messaging, or taking selfies with out ever opening the cellphone.
It’s a approach to management my sensible dwelling with out falling into the black gap of my principal display’s distractions. These shows are so giant and succesful, they provide extra display actual property than the whole authentic iPhone.
The worth excuse can also be lifeless. Flips used to hold a heavy premium, however immediately’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 prices the identical because the flat Galaxy S25 Edge. I’d take the Flip over that flat Galaxy any day of the week.
So, What’s Apple’s Excuse?
(Picture credit score: Philip Berne / Future)
If flip telephones are so nice, the place is the iPhone Flip? Apple is not afraid of latest classes – it sells watches, goggles, set-top bins, sensible dwelling audio system, along with telephones and tablets.
The hold-up appears to be about perfectionism. Listed here are the rumored excuses, and why they don’t maintain water.
Rumors declare Apple is not happy with the state of bending glass. You’ll be able to nonetheless see and really feel a faint crease.
My take: the crease is a ghost story. After seven generations of those gadgets, the crease is almost invisible throughout use. I promise you, it’ll by no means trouble you.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Apple may not desire a cellphone that is not sturdy. This can be a truthful level. Flagship smartphones are rated IP68, protecting out the best mud and surviving an extended dip underwater.
Flip telephones are solely rated IP48 – they will survive a dunk in water, however mud within the hinge is an actual danger. It is attribute of Apple to attend for an ideal seal, however they could be ready too lengthy.
Flip telephones make compromises. The cameras are smaller, with no room for large telephoto lenses. The batteries are sometimes smaller, too. Nevertheless, computational AI helps the cameras immensely, and nice software program can ship astonishing battery life.
For example, the Moto Razr Extremely 2025 outlasts most flat telephones due to its environment friendly Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
Right here’s the Actual Motive There’s No iPhone Flip
(Picture credit score: Future / Philip Berne)
The reality is, I don’t assume Apple is staying away as a result of the tech isn’t prepared. I feel it’s as a result of Apple doesn’t have something new so as to add.
What premium function would an iPhone Flip provide that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 or Moto Razr Extremely would not have already got? If Apple can’t reply that query, it will probably’t justify the astronomical worth it will inevitably cost. And not using a actually premium cause to purchase its flip over Samsung’s or Motorola’s, why trouble?
I’ve heard extra credible rumors about an iPhone Fold that opens right into a pill. That appears extra doubtless, as it will mix the acquainted aesthetics of an iPhone and an iPad. It feels protected – an evolution of what already exists.
An iPhone Flip, nevertheless, would require one thing actually new. And if I’m being sincere, I haven’t seen that form of newness from Cupertino in a very long time.
Software program is the ultimate sticking level
Apple wants one thing as magical as AirDrop for its foldable telephones (Picture credit score: Future / Philip Berne)
The most important hurdle is perhaps one thing else fully: what would an iPhone Flip do? Apple’s biggest power is not only a single system; it is the seamless software program ecosystem that binds them collectively. A flip cellphone with two distinct screens presents a brand new software program problem for Apple, and new challenges at all times include hiccups.
How would possibly core Apple apps use the second display to supply an expertise better than the components? I do not simply wish to speak to Siri, I wish to combine with GarageBand or doodle in my Journal.
There must be deeply built-in, magical software program improvements for an iPhone Flip to justify its existence. And not using a software program expertise that feels revolutionary, not simply reactive, the system would fail Apple’s personal commonplace. Maybe the largest danger for Apple is not a defective hinge; it is a failure of creativeness.
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