The iPhone Fold has been considered one of Apple's most exciting future projects for years. Reports and patents keep surfacing, indicating that the company is working on a foldable iPhone. However, according to recent information from Japanese investment bank Mizuho Securities, cited by The Elec, the market launch of the first foldable iPhone could be delayed until 2027. This suggests that Apple will need longer to make key decisions regarding the design and technology of the iPhone Fold.
Apple is known for only bringing new product categories to market once they've been fully developed. This commitment seems to be evident again with the iPhone Fold. While other manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei have been offering foldable smartphones for years, Apple is taking its time. The goal is clearly to develop a product that not only appears innovative but also stands out from the competition in terms of durability, quality, and user experience.
Design decisions and technical details
According to Mizuho Securities, the possible delay is primarily due to unresolved design issues. The hinge, the central component of a foldable smartphone, is expected to play a particularly important role. Apple has reportedly not yet finalized a hinge design. This mechanism, in particular, is crucial for the device's durability and suitability for everyday use.
The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 7.58-inch internal display and a 5.38-inch external display. This would put it in a similar size range to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold models, but with Apple's trademark precision and attention to detail.
Production and quantities
Mizuho Securities also reports that the originally planned display production has been reduced from 13 million to 9 million units. This adjustment suggests that Apple expects a smaller initial production run—possibly to closely monitor demand and the reliability of the new technology.
A market launch in 2026 remains a possibility, according to the report, but even in that case, device production in the first year could fall short of the number of displays produced by about five to seven million units. This indicates that Apple is apparently planning a controlled and cautious launch.
Integration into Apple's product strategy
The release of the iPhone Fold is apparently also tied to the schedule of other Apple products. According to Mizuho Securities, Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in spring 2027. The iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max, however, are scheduled to be released in fall 2026. If Apple sticks to its original plan, the iPhone Fold could also be unveiled in fall 2026—assuming development proceeds as expected.
However, if the launch is delayed, the foldable iPhone could launch alongside the iPhone 18 in 2027. This would also explain why Apple is adjusting display production and reassessing its schedules.
Outlook for the next generations
The report from Mizuho Securities also hints at Apple's plans for iPhone models in the coming years. Apple is said to be working on a new technology for the iPhone 19 series, which will be released as a special edition for the iPhone's 20th anniversary. This anniversary model could introduce new display or material technologies and symbolically mark the next major development step.
It's also interesting to note that Apple plans to lower the price of its second foldable iPhone, which is expected to launch in fall 2027—but only if the first model isn't delayed. This suggests that Apple is planning a broader product range with different price points in the foldable device segment in the long term.
Apple's plans beyond the iPhone
In addition to the iPhone Fold, there's also activity in other product areas, according to Mizuho Securities. Work has reportedly resumed on an 18.9-inch MacBook with a foldable display. This device is apparently in an early stage of development and could be released in 2028 or 2029 at the earliest. This would allow Apple to extend its foldable display technology to larger devices and take the next step toward flexible computer hardware.
Apple focuses on perfection rather than speed with the iPhone Fold
The iPhone Fold remains one of the most ambitious projects in Apple's product development. The potential delay until 2027 suggests that Apple places great emphasis on technical maturity and product quality. The focus is on a sophisticated hinge design, stable displays, and thoughtful integration into the existing iPhone lineup. Whether the foldable iPhone will ultimately launch in late 2026 or early 2027 remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Apple will not rush into the foldable category. Instead, the company is working to create a device that meets the high expectations of the iPhone and redefines the standard for foldable smartphones. (Photo by seveniwe / Bigstockphoto)
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