Apple iPhone Fold Expected Next Year with Limited Availability

Key Takeaways

1. Production Timeline: Mass production of Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to start in the second half of 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 series.

2. Display Sourcing: The foldable display will likely come from Samsung Display, with plans to produce 7 to 8 million panels annually.

3. Initial Orders: Apple has ordered parts for 15 to 20 million foldable iPhones, intended for the device’s entire lifespan, though only 3 to 5 million units are expected to ship in 2026.

4. Pricing and Sales Projections: The foldable iPhone is rumored to cost between $2,000 and $2,500, with lower initial sales expectations compared to standard iPhone models.

5. Key Features: Expected features include a 5.5-inch outer display, a 7.8-inch inner display, two rear cameras, two selfie cameras, and a sleep/wake button with a built-in fingerprint sensor for Touch ID.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared fresh insights about the timeline and production for Apple’s debut foldable iPhone. Foxconn, which partners with Apple for manufacturing, is said to begin prepping for mass production in the latter part of 2025, although the precise specifications for certain parts, including the hinge design, are still not nailed down.

Production Timeline and Expectations

The anticipated Apple iPhone Fold is likely to start mass production in the second half of 2026, hinting that it could be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro. The foldable display is probably going to be sourced from Samsung Display, which is planning to produce between 7 and 8 million panels each year. Reports indicate that Apple has already placed orders for enough parts to make 15 to 20 million foldable iPhones from its vendors. However, this figure is intended to sustain the device throughout its entire lifespan rather than being just for its initial release. The company is projected to ship only 3 to 5 million units in 2026.

Sales Projections and Pricing

It’s not shocking that Apple expects much lower sales figures for its first foldable compared to its standard iPhone variants, since the device is rumored to be priced between $2,000 and $2,500. There are claims that the iPhone Fold might sport a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the device will be only about 4.5 to 4.8 mm thick (roughly 0.18 to 0.19 inches). It is also expected to feature two rear cameras and two selfie cameras – one for each of the main and secondary displays. Additionally, the sleep/wake button is rumored to include a built-in fingerprint sensor for Touch ID.

Summary of Features

Ming-Chi Kuo (X) has been a reliable source of information regarding Apple’s upcoming innovations. As we await more details, it will be interesting to see how this foldable iPhone shapes up in the competitive smartphone market. The combination of advanced features and a premium price point could make it a unique offering for Apple enthusiasts.

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