Apple plans iPhone Fold for 2026 – production is approaching

Apple is working on a new device that could change everything: the foldable iPhone. After years of rumors, it's finally becoming concrete. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released new details about production and a possible market launch. Anyone interested in iPhones should take a closer look now. There's a lot of information—and also some uncertainty.

Apple plans to launch a foldable iPhone in fall 2026. Production is scheduled to begin in late September or early October 2025, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The timeframe is set, although some technical details have not yet been finalized. One thing is clear: With the iPhone Fold, Apple intends to enter a new market that has so far been dominated primarily by Samsung.

Start of production and planned market launch

Foxconn, a long-time Apple supplier, will be responsible for manufacturing the new model. According to Kuo , production is expected to begin in the late third quarter of 2025 or right at the beginning of the fourth quarter. This gives Apple about a year to make final design decisions. The market launch is planned for fall 2026, likely as part of the iPhone 18 lineup.

Display and construction

The iPhone Fold will be equipped with a flexible OLED display from Samsung Display. According to Kuo, this is already fully developed. When folded, the screen measures approximately 5.5 inches, and unfolded it is around 7.8 inches. This would make it comparable in size to devices like the Galaxy Z Fold. Unlike flip models, the iPhone will open like a book. Particular attention is being paid to the construction. Apple is said to have put a lot of effort into the design of the hinge. The goal is that hardly any crease is visible when unfolded. The device is said to be just 4.5 millimeters thin when open and about 9 to 9.5 millimeters when closed. That would be extremely slim for a foldable smartphone.

Cameras and authentication

The plan is to use cameras under the display. These will be hidden from view to keep the surface as clean as possible. A traditional Face ID is unlikely to be available due to a lack of space. Instead, Apple could integrate a new form of Touch ID that also works under the display – or in the side button.

Price and quantities

It won't be cheap. Kuo expects a price of $2,000 to $2,500. And that was his estimate even before Apple had to contend with rising tariffs in China. The high production costs and complex design make the device a premium product. Samsung Display is expected to deliver approximately seven to eight million foldable displays to Apple in 2026. According to Kuo, Apple is planning to order a total of 15 to 20 million units. This quantity is to be sold over a period of two to three years. Kuo estimates that demand will not be extremely high – mainly due to the high price.

Uncertainties and possible changes

Even though the plans are well advanced, nothing is final yet. Kuo explicitly points out that Apple could adjust its decisions at any time. Delays are still possible, especially with such a new and technically sophisticated product.

iOS 26: Signs of iPhone Fold hard to miss

For early adopters: The first iPhone Fold

The foldable iPhone is no longer a myth. Development is progressing, the display is ready, and production is expected to begin in fall 2025. The market launch is scheduled for 2026. Many details have already been revealed – from the hinge design to the possible removal of Face ID. The new iPhone will be priced at the higher end. However, it should be very interesting for Apple fans who like to try out new technologies early. If you regularly follow the latest iPhone developments, you should keep an eye on this model. It could be Apple's first completely new form factor device in years. (Image: Shutterstock / Chikena)