Highlights

• Apple’s foldable iPhone has reportedly entered mass production with Foxconn scaling up hiring to meet demand.
• Despite earlier delay rumours, supply chain sources confirm the device is still on track for a September 2026 launch alongside iPhone 18 Pro models.
• The foldable is expected with 7.8″ foldable inner display, 5.5″ cover screen, A20 chip and Touch ID power button.

Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone appears to be moving closer to its official debut. According to multiple reports from China and South Korea, the device has now entered mass production and there are currently no indications that its expected September launch will be delayed.

Foldable iPhone Reportedly Enters Mass Production

According to Chinese financial publication Cailian Press citing multiple sources within Apple’s supply chain, the foldable iPhone’s design was finalised some time ago and the device has now entered mass production.

Separate reports from Chinese outlet East Money and South Korea’s The Bell also claim that Apple’s foldable iPhone has reached the mass production stage. The reports add that Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn has reportedly begun large-scale hiring to meet production requirements.

When asked about recent rumours suggesting the foldable iPhone could face delays due to its complex assembly process and low production yields, supply chain sources told Cailian Press that they were not aware of any postponement. According to them, the device is still expected to be ready for a September delivery window.

According to the latest reports, Apple has asked its suppliers to prepare production for around 10 million foldable iPhones this year. This represents an increase from the company’s earlier production estimate of approximately 7 to 8 million units.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone dummy unit.

Previous Reports Suggested Possible Delay

Last month, The Elec reported that mass production would begin in July but also claimed that Apple had encountered hinge-related issues during testing. Although most of those problems were reportedly resolved, the publication suggested that initial shipments following the launch could be limited.

More recently, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the foldable iPhone is expected to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September. However, he suggested that sales may begin only in the fourth quarter, pointing to a possible October or later release.

Earlier this year, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman initially reported that the foldable iPhone would not ship alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September. However, Gurman revised his expectations a month later and said that the device remained on track for a September announcement and could go on sale around the same time as the Pro models.

iPhone Ultra – Expected Specifications and Price

The foldable iPhone is currently rumoured to launch under the “iPhone Ultra” branding, although Apple has not officially confirmed the device or its name.

Based on previous leaks, Apple’s first foldable smartphone is expected to feature a book-style foldable design with a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer cover screen.

The device is also rumoured to be powered by the A20 chipset and could feature Apple’s C2 modem in select markets. For security, Apple is expected to use a Touch ID-enabled power button instead of Face ID.

Pricing is expected to start between $2,000 and $2,500, according to various reports.