Apple may finally be preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market, with production of its long-rumored foldable iPhone expected to begin later this year. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is targeting the third or fourth quarter of 2025 for the start of manufacturing, with a potential release window in late 2026, possibly as part of the iPhone 18 lineup.
While companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo have spent years developing and refining foldable devices, Apple has taken a slower, more measured approach. That strategy appears to be shifting, with the company reportedly contracting Samsung Display to produce 7 to 8 million panels for the foldable iPhone. Apple may be planning to ship as many as 20 million units, signaling serious intent to compete in this maturing product category.
Details about the final design remain fluid. Kuo’s report suggests key components, such as the hinge mechanism, are still being finalized. Early leaks point to a design with a 7.8-inch foldable inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen, but these specifications are not yet confirmed and could change during the development process.
The move into foldables marks a significant expansion for Apple’s iPhone lineup and a notable shift in its hardware strategy. While entering late gives Apple the advantage of learning from others’ missteps, it also increases the pressure to deliver a product that is both refined and competitively priced.
One major concern will be pricing. Following a muted reception to the Vision Pro’s premium price point, Apple can’t afford to stumble again. The foldable iPhone will need to deliver a strong combination of hardware reliability, thoughtful design, and real-world utility if it hopes to gain traction against entrenched players like Samsung.
Although a commercial launch is still more than a year away, the beginning of production marks a pivotal moment: Apple’s foldable phone is no longer speculative. It’s a product in progress, and expectations will only grow from here.
