Highlights
- Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to debut after the iPhone 18 Pro series in September, likely around December.
- Reasons for delay reportedly include the complexity of manufacturing foldable displays.
- iPhone Fold price may start above $2,000 and feature a creaseless internal display.
Rumours around Apple’s first foldable iPhone have been circulating for a while. But now a clearer launch timeline is starting to emerge. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the much-anticipated iPhone Fold will arrive later than the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models expected in September. Here’s more on that.
iPhone Fold Launch Timeline Tipped
During a live Q&A session, Gurman addressed questions regarding the release timeline of Apple’s foldable device. He stated that there is “no doubt” the iPhone Fold will launch shortly after the September rollout of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.
Earlier speculation suggested that the foldable iPhone could be introduced soon after the September event. However, a recent report from a Barclays analyst hinted that the device might not arrive until December. This would be roughly three months after the iPhone 18 Pro lineup hits the market.
Gurman attributes this delay to the complex manufacturing process involved in creating foldable displays. He explained that such advanced display technology is among the most difficult to produce at scale.
He said, “Foldable phones are very difficult to produce. That display technology is some of the most complex display technology available on the market today. And so there is no doubt that this is going to come a little bit later than the Pro phones. […] Whenever Apple does a major new form factor design, something specifically that’s pretty complex as we saw with the iPhone X back a decade ago, you’re going to be a little bit delayed past the other models.”
Apple has previously delayed products featuring new and complex designs. iPhone X was unveiled alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in September 2017, but was released later in November 2017. The delay was reportedly due to challenges in producing its OLED display and TrueDepth camera system with Face ID.
iPhone Fold – What To Expect?
The iPhone Fold is expected to carry a starting price of over $2,000, which would make it the most expensive iPhone to date. Gurman also revealed that the device is among the Apple products he has been most excited about in the past four to five years.
Reports suggest that the foldable iPhone could feature a creaseless internal display, which is likely to be a major highlight. Apple is expected to optimise this large inner screen for video consumption and gaming experiences.
Gurman expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming device, saying he is “super pumped” about the foldable iPhone. He believes the product will perform well in the market and could also boost the success of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
FAQs
Q1. When will the iPhone Fold launch?
Answer. According to Mark Gurman, Apple’s foldable iPhone will launch after the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in September, likely around December.
Q2. Why is the iPhone Fold delayed compared to the Pro models?
Answer. Gurman explained that foldable displays are extremely complex to manufacture at scale, similar to how the iPhone X was delayed due to OLED and Face ID production challenges.
Q3. What features and pricing can be expected from the iPhone Fold?
Answer. The device is expected to start above $2,000, making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone. It may feature a creaseless internal display optimied for video and gaming.