February 2, 2026 – iPhone Flip and CarPlay rumors

Today's top stories from the 9to5Mac Daily podcast cover Apple's potential foldable iPhone plans, CarPlay Ultra expansion, and upcoming Mac releases.

Apple 'exploring' clamshell foldable iPhone

According to a new report, Apple is "exploring" a clamshell foldable iPhone as a potential follow-up model to its current lineup. This development signals Apple's interest in the foldable smartphone market, which has been dominated by Samsung and other Android manufacturers.

The clamshell design would likely fold vertically, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or Motorola Razr, rather than the book-style fold of the Galaxy Z Fold. This form factor offers a more compact device when closed while maintaining a full-sized screen when opened.

Apple's exploration of foldables comes years after competitors entered the market, suggesting the company is taking a cautious approach to ensure any foldable device meets its quality standards. The tech giant has historically waited to enter new product categories until it believes it can deliver a superior user experience.

CarPlay Ultra coming to new vehicles

Apple's premium CarPlay Ultra system is reportedly coming to at least one new car model later this year. CarPlay Ultra represents Apple's most advanced in-car integration yet, offering deeper system access and enhanced functionality compared to standard CarPlay.

The expansion of CarPlay Ultra to new vehicles indicates growing adoption of Apple's automotive platform. The system provides drivers with seamless iPhone integration, including navigation, messaging, music, and voice control through Siri.

CarPlay Ultra likely builds upon the foundation of standard CarPlay with additional features such as multiple display support, deeper vehicle system integration, and potentially more customization options for automakers.

Apple revamps online Mac purchasing

The company has revamped how customers buy Macs online, streamlining the purchasing process and potentially introducing new configuration options. This change comes as Apple continues to evolve its direct-to-consumer sales strategy.

M5 MacBook Pro release date speculation

Looking ahead, new MacBook Pro models featuring Apple's M5 Pro and M5 Max chips might debut later this year. The M5 series would represent the next generation of Apple Silicon for professional Mac users.

The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to deliver performance improvements over the current M3 Pro and M3 Max processors, continuing Apple's annual cadence of chip upgrades for its high-end Mac lineup.

These developments highlight Apple's ongoing innovation across its product ecosystem, from exploring new form factors like foldables to enhancing its automotive presence and updating its professional computing lineup.