Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Enter Production This Year

Rumours about Apple developing a foldable iPhone have been circulating for several years. Now, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal some exciting new updates on the much-anticipated foldable.

According to the analyst, Apple's assembly supplier Foxconn is expected to begin the production of foldable iPhones by late Q3 2025 or early Q4 2025. And if all goes well, the first foldable iPhone might make its way via the iPhone 18 lineup in late 2026.

However, it looks like Apple is treading the foldable waters very carefully. Kuo claims that Apple has yet to finalise a lot of the key components for the foldable iPhone, including the hinge.

This is usually not the scene when a device is about to enter the production cycle. But given the fact that the hinge literally makes or breaks a foldable device, it makes sense for a brand like Apple to take its sweet time.

However, Apple has reportedly settled on the display(s) for the foldable iPhone. The brand is relying on Samsung to deliver the screens for the foldable iPhones with Samsung's Display unit (SDC) reportedly having received an order of "7-8 million foldable panels".

Previous reports suggest both a book-style foldable as well as a clamshell foldable design for the iPhones. This is similar to what major players like Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Honor, and the like do currently. This was previously reported by analyst Jeff Pu as well, who claimed that Apple is reportedly exploring a 7.9-inch and 8.3-inch display size for foldable iPhones. 

However, a book-style foldable seems to be more likely on the cards. As per leaks and reports, the foldable could feature a 5.5-inch display on the outside and a 7.8-inch display on the inside. 

Kuo also claims that Apple has placed an order for "15 to 20 million foldable iPhones." This indicates that Apple is gearing up to mass produce it's foldable iPhones to sustain them through not just 2026 but a lifecycle of two to three years.

Additionally, Kuo suggests that it "may ship several million units annually in both 2027 and 2028, possibly due to its premium pricing." Leaks do hint at an exorbitant $2,500 price tag. 

With that said, it is important to note that nothing is confirmed as of yet. Kuo also notes that, given the nature of product development, nearly every aspect is likely to change before the final stage is reached.