[Expired]Foldable iPhone is Coming

Recent leaks about Apple's foldable iPhone have been intensifying, with supply chain information, analyst reports, and multiple media outlets revealing its core specifications, production progress, and market positioning. According to the latest news from iThome, Wall Street Journal, and other foreign media, Apple's first foldable phone is steadily advancing toward mass production and is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 series in fall 2026.

📅 Release and Production Schedule: Mass production in late 2025, Market launch in 2026

According to renowned analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo, Foxconn will begin mass production of the foldable iPhone between late Q3 and early Q4 of 2025, with an official launch expected in fall 2026. This release will mark Apple's most significant mobile device innovation since the iPad and iPhone.

To ensure quality, Apple has confirmed it will use crease-free OLED panels from Samsung Display, paired with metal hinges developed by Fine M-Tec to achieve a nearly seamless folding experience. This solution entered the P1 prototype verification stage in June this year and is expected to complete EV/DV testing by the end of the year.

📱Expected Specifications:

• Inner screen: 7.58-inch OLED, supporting 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate.
• Outer screen: 5.5-inch, convenient for everyday operations.

• Thickness: Approximately 4.5-4.8 mm when unfolded, about 9-9.5 mm when folded.
• Processor: A20 Pro chip manufactured with TSMC's 2nm process, using Apple's latest WMCM packaging technology.
• Modem: Self-developed C2 5G chip, expected to significantly improve signal performance and energy efficiency.
• Memory and Storage: 12GB RAM, with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
• Camera system: Dual 48-megapixel main and ultra-wide-angle cameras, with the front camera likely using an under-display design.
• Authentication: To save internal space, Apple may adopt a side-mounted Touch ID, replacing Face ID.
• Body structure: Titanium alloy + stainless steel hybrid hinge to enhance folding durability and impact resistance.

According to UBS and TF International Securities analyses, the BOM (Bill of Materials) cost of the foldable iPhone is approximately $759, slightly lower than Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE's $790. The expected retail price is $1,800-2,000 for the standard version, with high-end configurations potentially exceeding $2,400.

 

 

The development progress, supply chain solutions, and market strategy for Apple's foldable iPhone are gradually taking shape. From a hardware perspective, it combines a top-tier processor, self-developed modem, crease-free high-refresh-rate large screen, and high-strength hinges, potentially redefining the durability and user experience of foldable phones. However, how Apple optimizes iOS to support multitasking and operations in folded states will be key to determining whether it can surpass Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series.

If Apple launches this product as scheduled in 2026, it will not only become a potential replacement for the iPad mini but may also offer premium users an unprecedented portable productivity experience.