Foldable iPhone May Arrive in 2026, Early Production Could Begin Later This Year: Kuo

Highlights

• Apple may begin early production by late 2025, with a foldable iPhone launch expected in fall 2026 as part of the iPhone 18 lineup.
• The device will have a Galaxy Fold-like inward design with a 5.5″ folded and 7.8″ unfolded screen, Touch ID and possibly under-display cameras.
• It will likely be priced between $2,000–$2,500 with Apple reportedly ordering 15–20 million units for 2–3 years.

Caption – Foldable iPhone mock render. (Image credit – Gizmochina)

If you follow Apple’s rumour mill closely, you would know that the Cupertino Giant is dedicatedly working on Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Several reports have already confirmed this but it appears we might finally have the device on its way.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has reached a major development milestone and is now preparing for the early stages of production. Here’s what we know.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone to Launch in Late 2025

Kuo, in one of their recent posts on X (formerly), revealed that Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn is likely to begin production by late September or early October 2025. The device is expected to officially launch in fall 2026 as part of the iPhone 18 lineup. However, Apple is still finalising a few internal parts, especially the hinge, because it’s focused on long-term durability.

That’s not all, Kuo also shared some key details.

Galaxy Fold-Like Design

According to Kuo’s post, one key detail that has been finalised is the foldable display. Samsung Display will supply 7 to 8 million panels with the phone featuring a 5.5-inch screen when folded and a 7.8-inch screen when opened. The design will be similar to the Galaxy Fold, folding inward like a book.

Apple is reportedly working on a minimal-crease hinge and may include under-display cameras. Because of limited internal space, Apple might skip Face ID and go with Touch ID instead. The phone is said to be around 4.5mm thick when open and 9–9.5mm when folded.

Foldable iPhone Will Have Limited Availability

Moreover, as many would expect, the foldable iPhone is expected to carry a hefty price tag between $2,000 and $2,500. Apple clearly plans on making it a luxury product.

Apple has reportedly ordered 15 to 20 million units to cover a 2- to 3-year product cycle, pointing to a limited and niche rollout rather than a mainstream launch. Still, Kuo cautions that Apple’s plans could change before mass production begins.

“It’s worth noting that all plans remain subject to change prior to the official project kickoff,” Kuo concludes.

FAQs

Q1. When is the foldable iPhone expected to launch, and when will production begin?

Answer. Apple may begin early production by late September or October 2025, with the official launch expected in fall 2026 as part of the iPhone 18 lineup.

Q2. What are the design and display specifications of Apple’s foldable iPhone?

Answer. It will feature a Galaxy Fold-like inward folding design with a 5.5-inch display when folded and a 7.8-inch screen when unfolded, supplied by Samsung Display.

Q3. How much will the foldable iPhone cost, and will it be widely available?

Answer. The device is expected to be priced between $2,000 and $2,500, with Apple reportedly ordering 15 to 20 million units for a 2–3-year product cycle, suggesting limited availability.

Also Read: Samsung-Made Displays for Foldable iPhone Could Be More Advanced Than Galaxy Z Fold

Also Read: Apple’s First Foldable iPhone: What We Know About the Design, Release Date, and Price