The iPhone Fold is expected to be unveiled this fall and is already considered one of the most exciting new Apple products of the next iPhone generation. At the same time, there are increasing indications that while the first foldable iPhone will be shown alongside the new Pro models, its actual market launch will lag behind. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has now clarified this point very clearly.
This isn't unusual for Apple. Whenever a completely new form factor is introduced, the path from presentation to delivery often takes a bit longer. This seems to be exactly the case with the iPhone Fold. The reason apparently isn't a fundamental change in the launch plan, but rather the complex technology behind foldable smartphones.
According to Gurman, the iPhone Fold will be released later than the iPhone 18 Pro
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman answered several questions about Apple in a live Q&A session today. Among them was the expected release timeline for the iPhone Fold. According to Gurman, there is "no doubt" that the foldable model will be released somewhat later than the iPhone 18 Pro.
This statement aligns with a recent report that while Apple is still committed to a fall launch, the actual sales or shipping start of the foldable model could be delayed.
Presentation likely in September, delivery likely later
As things stand, Apple is still expected to unveil the iPhone Fold in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. This part of the timeline appears to remain unchanged for the time being.
However, the distinction between unveiling and market launch is crucial. According to Gurman, this is precisely the crux of the matter. While the Pro models are expected to be released according to the usual schedule, the iPhone Fold is likely to be shipped later.
Barclays analyst suggested December as the possible date
Last week, a Barclays analyst claimed that the foldable iPhone might not be released until December. Previously, it had been expected that the device would ship shortly after its anticipated unveiling in September.
This means that several possible timeframes are now on the table. A launch directly after the September event seems significantly less certain than before.
Why the iPhone Fold could be delayed
Gurman offers a rather obvious reason for this: foldable phones are very difficult to manufacture. In his estimation, the display technology used is among the most complex technologies currently available on the market.
This is a key point regarding the iPhone Fold. Unlike a traditional iPhone, it's not just about a new casing or a single new component. A foldable device requires a significantly more complex interplay of display, hinge, stability, and manufacturing. This is precisely why a later release is considered very likely.
Apple is thus following a familiar pattern
Gurman also points out that Apple often experiences slight delays with fundamentally new designs and form factors. He cites the iPhone X from about a decade ago as an example.
The logic behind it is simple: When Apple introduces something technically complex, the presentation often coincides with the other models, but actual availability is then delayed somewhat. Apple seems to be taking the same approach with the iPhone Fold.
No exact date given, but a clear signal
Gurman didn't mention a specific launch date during his Q&A session. He didn't specify whether the iPhone Fold would be released in October, November, or December. Nevertheless, his assessment is fairly clear: the foldable iPhone won't be released at the same time as the Pro models.
At the same time, it doesn't sound like he's expecting an extremely long delay far beyond Apple's usual fall release window. The impression is more that the launch will be delayed by a few weeks, not many months.
These timeframes are currently considered realistic
The information provided so far paints the following picture:
- September: Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.
- October or November: This currently seems like a realistic scenario for the later delivery of the foldable model.
- Possibly December: A launch in December is still under discussion after a Barclays analyst mentioned precisely this timeframe.
What this means for the iPhone Fold
Ultimately, the most important point remains: The iPhone Fold will apparently still be part of Apple's regular fall lineup, but not with the exact same sales schedule as the iPhone 18 Pro. According to Gurman, the later market launch is practically a given.
This suggests less of a fundamental problem than the usual caution with a new and technically sophisticated product. Especially with a foldable iPhone, it's plausible that Apple would allow more time between presentation and delivery.
iPhone Fold: Unveiled in September, market launch later
With the iPhone Fold, many signs currently point to a clear timeline: unveiling in September, but a market launch somewhat later than the iPhone 18 Pro. Mark Gurman states this very clearly, thus supporting recent reports of a possible delay. Whether deliveries will ultimately begin in October, November, or even December remains to be seen. Only the exact date is uncertain, not the general trend. The iPhone Fold will likely arrive later, and this is primarily due to the complex technology of foldable smartphones. (Image: Shutterstock / tinhkhuong)
- iOS 27: Apple opens Siri to Claude and other AI tools
- Apple is pushing ahead with the development of an all-screen iPhone
- Apple is testing a new 200-megapixel iPhone camera
- Apple and Google: New details on the AI deal
- Apple plans new Siri app for iOS 27 and macOS 27
- Apple continues to struggle with the full-screen iPhone
- Apple is pushing ahead with OLED expansion for new generation of devices
- Report: John Ternus spearheaded key iPad innovation
- Apple Maps is changing: Advertising is coming soon
- Apple is working on a sensor for security and automation
- Apple planned HomePod with camera much earlier than expected
- Apple is working on the biggest iPhone redesign of its time
- iPhone Fold: This is how Apple is planning a more stable folding Display
- iPad with A18: Release, performance and new features
- Apple TV and HomePod mini are still waiting for Siri
- iPhone Fold: Release likely planned for December
- Are AirPods Max 2 just an interim step? Here's the story
- iPhone 19e: Will 120Hz finally come to the entry-level iPhone?
- MacBook Air: Apple currently has no plans for a touchscreen
- MacBook Neo 2: Apple reportedly plans to focus on performance
- iOS 27 is expected to significantly improve Siri, AI, and Liquid Glass
