Apple's first foldable iPhone may go into production next year, claims analyst

Apple iPhone

For a while — at least since the first Android foldables arrive -- rumours about a foldable iPhone have been doing the rounds. Now, a leak has emerged which suggests that Apple has entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn for its first two foldable devices. The latest leak comes from analyst Jeff Pu and the two devices in question are rumoured to be a foldable iPhone as well as a foldable iPad.

The analyst also notes that the production of the foldable devices is expected to start sometime in the second half of 2026. This could mean that Apple could finally launch a foldable iPhone in late 2026 or early part of 2027.

Earlier, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had said that Apple will finalise the specifications of its first foldable iPhone by the second quarter of 2025. Kuo also indicated that mass production isn't expected to start until the fourth quarter of 2026. Kuo also said that Apple could play low-key when it comes to production of the foldable iPhone and might ship up to 5 million units by next year.

As for its display size, the phone is said to have a 7.8-inch inner foldable screen and a 5.5-inch outer cover screen, providing users with a big screen estate in both forms. Additionally, the device will likely feature a book-style design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold smartphones, catering to the premium segment of the market.

Kuo has also confirmed that the phone will not have Face ID. Instead, it will use a Touch ID side button to save internal space. Like recent iPhones, it is expected to be marketed as a 'true AI-driven phone,' with the larger screens making multitasking with AI easier. As for its expected pricing, Kuo states that this foldable iPhone could cost over $2,000, possibly even $2,500.