Apple's first foldable iPhone may arrive in 2026, says analyst Ming-Chi Kuo

Apple's first foldable iPhone could feature a 7.8-inch inner display, ultra-thin design, and dual cameras, with mass production expected in 2026

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its first foldable iPhone, with mass production expected to begin in the second half of 2026. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has begun finalising key specifications of the device, including its display, while other components such as the hinge remain undecided.

 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kuo noted that the foldable display is among the few components with confirmed specifications and will be supplied by Samsung Display. Samsung is said to be preparing annual production capacity for seven to eight million foldable panels dedicated to Apple’s 2026 launch, though actual manufacturing may only span a few months that year.

 

 

  Foxconn, Apple’s long-time manufacturing partner, is expected to kick off the foldable iPhone project in late 2025, with full-scale production beginning in the second half of 2026. Kuo stated that Apple has placed an order for 15 to 20 million foldable iPhones. However, this figure reflects cumulative demand across a two to three year lifecycle rather than shipments in 2026 alone—indicating Apple anticipates steady annual demand through 2027 and 2028.

Apple Foldable iPhone Updates:  1. Assembly supplier Foxconn is expected to officially kick off the project in late 3Q25 or early 4Q25. As of now, many component specifications (including the hinge, which has drawn considerable market attention) have yet to be finalized.  2. The… https://t.co/KsGu49JXkP

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 18, 2025

Foldable iPhone: What to expect

Kuo previously reported that Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to adopt a book-style form factor with a notably thin profile. The device could measure between 9mm and 9.5mm when folded, and just 4.5mm to 4.8mm when unfolded.

 

  The device is likely to feature a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch main screen with minimal visible crease. These estimates were echoed by analyst Jeff Pu, who added that the outer screen could offer a resolution of 2,088 x 1,422 pixels, while the internal display might feature 2,713 x 1,920 pixels.

 

Kuo also said the device could use a hinge made of stainless steel and titanium alloy, with a titanium frame for the casing—similar to the material used on Apple’s current iPhone Pro models. The foldable iPhone is expected to house a dual rear camera system, along with separate front-facing cameras on both the cover and main displays.