Apple’s long-anticipated foldable smartphone, dubbed the iPhone Fold, has reportedly entered the final stages of its engineering and pre-production phase. According to a recent report from the Economic Daily News, the design has been finalized, indicating that Apple is preparing for a potential launch by late 2026. Sources within the supply chain have confirmed that the company has concluded its experimental phase and is now making minor adjustments to the final product.
The development of the iPhone Fold is not a new endeavor for Apple; the company has been working on this project for over five years. Recently, Apple has greenlit the final hardware, leading to the commencement of trial production. Suppliers are now beginning to stockpile components in anticipation of significant orders. Analysts predict that Apple may ship between 7 to 9 million units in the first year, potentially capturing a substantial 30-40% share of the global foldable smartphone market. This could place Apple in direct competition with established players like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola.
Revolutionizing the Foldable Experience
The smartphone market has experienced a lull in innovation, making the entry of a foldable iPhone particularly exciting. One of the most intriguing features rumored for the iPhone Fold is its display technology. Unlike current foldable devices that often exhibit a visible crease, insiders suggest that Apple has developed a solution that could eliminate this flaw entirely. A seamless screen would address a primary concern among users and could redefine expectations for foldable technology.
In terms of design, the iPhone Fold is expected to incorporate elements from the iPhone 17 Pro, using premium materials and possibly advanced cooling technology. Major suppliers, including Samsung and TSMC, are on board, alongside other partners like Shin Zu Shing and Chi Hong, who are gearing up for heightened production demands.
A Shift in Market Dynamics
If the trial runs proceed without issues, mass production of the iPhone Fold could begin as early as 2025. This timeline positions the official launch for late 2026, which is expected to generate substantial interest and speculation. As Apple ramps up production, the company typically faces challenges in maintaining secrecy, leading to a likely influx of leaks surrounding the device.
The introduction of a foldable iPhone marks a significant shift in Apple’s design philosophy since the launch of the iPhone X, which eliminated the home button. Regardless of individual preferences for or against Apple products, the company’s entry into the foldable market tends to prompt competitors to elevate their offerings. As anticipation builds for this innovative device, it remains to be seen how it will change consumer perceptions of foldable smartphones.