Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first-ever iPhone Fold, expected to launch in 2026. Industry sources suggest that the device will be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models during Apple’s September event, though the company has not officially confirmed any details. Ahead of the anticipated debut, trial production of the handset has reportedly begun, signaling that the tech giant is moving closer to mass production and eventual shipments later this year.
According to reports from ITHome, Foxconn has started trial production of the foldable iPhone. The device is rumoured to adopt a book-style folding design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, with a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen. This design aims to combine a large tablet-like display with the convenience of a standard smartphone form factor, allowing users to switch seamlessly between compact and expanded modes.
Apple had previously faced delays in the development of its foldable iPhone due to manufacturing challenges, including yield issues and difficulties ramping up production. Early reports suggested that shipments might be postponed until 2027, potentially limiting availability and creating shortages. However, the latest updates indicate that Apple plans to begin shipments in the second half of 2026, with an estimated 20 million units sourced from Samsung Display—a significant increase from earlier projections of 13–15 million units.
The iPhone Fold is expected to mark one of the most significant design shifts in the history of Apple’s flagship devices. While previous models like the iPhone 4, iPhone 6, and iPhone X introduced incremental design changes, the foldable iPhone represents a fundamental transformation in form factor. Reports indicate that the US price for the 256GB variant could reach $1,999 (roughly Rs. 1,84,700), while in China it may be priced at CNY 15,999 (around Rs. 2,14,400). Analysts suggest that Apple hopes the device will not only capture strong demand for itself but also expand interest in foldable smartphones more broadly, potentially leading to additional form factors in the future.