iPhone Fold Trial Production Begins Ahead of 2026 Launch; Could Face Delay Due Engineering Issues; iPhone Fold Dummy Units Reveal Design

Highlights

• iPhone Fold has reportedly entered trial production at Foxconn.
• It is expected to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup though engineering issues could cause delays.
• The iPhone Fold is tipped to feature a book-style design with a 7.8-inch inner display, 5.5-inch outer screen, under-display front camera and a new hinge mechanism to reduce creasing.

Latest iPhone Fold dummy units. (Image credit – @SonnyDickson on X)

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is reportedly moving closer to launch with fresh leaks suggesting that trial production has already begun. The device is expected to debut in the second half of 2026 possibly alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup during Apple’s September event, although the company has not officially confirmed these plans. That’s not all, we also have new dummy unit images to give us a fair idea of what to expect.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold Dummy Units

Tipster Sonny Dickson @SonnyDickson on X has shared images of dummy units believed to represent the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the long-rumoured iPhone Fold. The Pro models appear to retain Apple’s familiar design language with only minor and barely noticeable changes in dimensions.

In contrast, the foldable iPhone stands out with a completely new form factor. It is expected to sit between a traditional smartphone and a compact tablet, similar in size positioning to an iPad mini.

These leaks align with earlier reports suggesting that Apple may prioritise internal upgrades over major external redesigns for the iPhone 18 Pro models.

iPhone Fold Enters Trial Production

According to industry supply chain reports, Foxconn has begun trial production of the foldable iPhone. Apple has reportedly informed suppliers about plans to begin shipments in the second half of 2026.

This update contradicts earlier reports that suggested delays due to manufacturing challenges including yield issues and production scaling difficulties. Those reports had indicated that mass availability might not happen until 2027 potentially leading to limited supply through the end of 2026.

However, a separate report claims Apple is aiming to secure up to 20 million display units from Samsung Display for the foldable iPhone. It is  a significant increase compared to earlier estimates of 13–15 million units.

Apple is also believed to be counting on the iPhone Fold to boost demand in the foldable smartphone segment. If successful, it could pave the way for additional form factors, including a potential flip-style iPhone in the future.

iPhone Fold Launch Could Face Delay

The iPhone Fold is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026. However, a latest report by Nikkei Asia (via 9to5Mac) suggest that Apple could facing some issues with engineering test phase for the iPhone Fold and it can lead to some delays.

The report says, “Issues surrounding the engineering development of foldable iPhones are more complex and are taking more time to resolve than Apple had expected, and in the worst case scenario could delay the first shipment by months, according to multiple sources briefed on the matter.”

iPhone Fold Specifications and Features (Expected)

The iPhone Fold is tipped to adopt a shorter and wider design drawing comparisons to the Pixel Fold. It may feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen.

In terms of dimensions, the device is expected to measure around 120.6mm in height and 83.8mm in width. The design could include a camera module similar to the iPhone Air, though it may not span the entire width of the device.

The front of the handset is expected to feature a notch-less design indicating the possibility of an under-display front camera. Apple is also reportedly working on a 3D-printed hinge mechanism aimed at reducing the crease commonly seen in foldable displays although engineering challenges have contributed to delays in the development timeline.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the foldable iPhone could represent the most “significant overhaul in the iPhone’s history,” marking a major shift in Apple’s smartphone design approach.

In the US, the iPhone Fold is tipped to be priced at $1,999 (roughly ₹1,84,700) for the 256GB variant. In China, the price could be around CNY 15,999 (roughly ₹2,14,400).

More details about the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and the iPhone Fold are likely to emerge closer to the expected launch window.

FAQs

Q1. When is Apple expected to launch the iPhone Fold?

Answer. The iPhone Fold is tipped to debut in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, though engineering issues could cause delays.

Q2. What design and display features are expected for the iPhone Fold?

Answer. It may feature a book-style foldable design with a 7.8-inch inner screen, 5.5-inch outer display, under-display front camera, and a new hinge to reduce creasing.

Q3. What is the expected price of the iPhone Fold?

Answer. The foldable iPhone is rumored to cost $1,999 (₹1,84,700) in the US and CNY 15,999 (₹2,14,400) in China.

Also Read –

https://www.mymobileindia.com/apple-iphone-fold-likely-to-launch-after-iphone-18-pro-series-reveals-mark-gurman/

https://www.mymobileindia.com/iphone-folds-crease-free-display-tipped-to-enter-mass-production-starting-may-2026/