There have been many rumors about Apple's rumored "iPhone Flip" foldable phone, but so far it is unclear what design will be used. A foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2? Or a flip phone style clamshell like the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 3?

Apple is said to have considered both options, but a new report by Jon Prosser suggests that Cupertino may choose the latter.

According to the latest episode of Front Page Tech, Prosser's video show, sources say Apple has put both iPhone flip prototypes through the gauntlet and has decided to focus its attention on the clamshell design. That's right, the way things are going the first foldable iPhone could become the very first Apple-branded flip phone.

Prosser points out that Apple is not very far along in this project and denies rumors and reports that the iPhone Flip may appear as early as next year. Prosser also notes that Apple plans to release the phone in numerous "fun" colors, and speculates that this could mean it is set to be a general purpose device for the masses.

In other words, the iPhone Flip may not be as expensive as some other folding phones. Currently, the Galaxy Z Flip 5G sells for $1,199, which is $250 less than the original price. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is currently $999 and has dropped a whopping $1,000 since we reviewed this phone.

It is not clear why Apple chose a clamshell design for its foldable iPhone. Clearly, the flip phone design takes up less space than a foldable tablet while retaining the full-size iPhone display. A larger, tablet-like iPhone would inevitably be compared to the iPad, and Apple may want to avoid that.

Of course, things could change. If development of the iPhone Flip is still in the early stages as Prosser claims, there is still a good chance that Apple will change lanes and go in a different direction.

Whether that will actually happen is another matter, and we won't know for sure until we start hearing more leaks or Apple makes some sort of official announcement. The latter is not expected for some time.

We will report on the iPhone flip as soon as we get more information. In the meantime, however, Samsung is preparing the Galaxy Z Flip 3.