Apple is reportedly moving closer to entering the foldable smartphone market, with production of its first foldable iPhone expected to begin later this year. According to well-known industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple supplier Foxconn is preparing to start work on the device by late Q3 or early Q4 of 2025.
Although Apple has yet to confirm any official plans for a foldable phone, Kuo’s latest insights suggest the company is targeting a 2026 release. The foldable iPhone is still in early development, with several critical specifications—such as the hinge design—yet to be finalized. One of the key milestones involves the display, which is expected to be manufactured by Samsung Display. The Korean tech giant is reportedly gearing up to produce 7 to 8 million flexible panels, although actual shipments in the launch year may be lower due to tight production timelines.
Kuo also notes that Apple may place an initial order of 15 to 20 million units to meet expected demand across a projected two- to three-year product lifecycle. Mass production is likely to ramp up in the second half of 2026, with shipments continuing through 2027 and 2028.
While Apple has not revealed the device’s final design, early speculation points to a book-style foldable featuring a 5.5-inch external screen and a 7.8-inch internal display when unfolded. The phone is rumored to include a durable metal hinge and could launch with a premium price tag around $2,300 (roughly ₹1,99,000), making it one of Apple’s most expensive products yet.
The foldable iPhone is tentatively slated for an autumn 2026 debut, though Kuo cautions that Apple’s timeline could still shift as development continues.
