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Apple Stockpiling Parts for Foldable iPhone Ahead of 2026 Launch

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Apple is building up inventory for its first foldable iPhone in preparation for the device's launch next year, claims a Chinese leaker with proven sources within Apple's supply chain.

Apple-Foldable-Thumb.jpg

According to Weibo-based account Fixed Focus Digital, Apple is now stockpiling key components for its long-rumored foldable iPhone, which we are tentatively referring to as "iPhone Fold." The leaker did not elaborate, but Apple is likely securing supplies of advanced parts including foldable OLED displays, titanium frames, and complex hinge assemblies that reportedly combine several materials.

The move suggests Apple is entering the crucial pre-production phase, where suppliers begin ramping output ahead of full mass production. Some of these components may have long lead times and high failure rates, so early stock-building helps reduce risk and smooth the eventual launch pipeline.

Apple's foldable iPhone is reportedly similar in style to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, which uses a book-style folding mechanism, rather than the clamshell design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

When folded, users will interact with a 5.5-inch outer display that is similar to a typical iPhone screen, while unfolding it will reveal a larger 7.8-inch iPad-style screen. The inner display is said to be virtually crease-free, with some sources claiming it features an under-screen camera. The outer screen is said to have a punch-hole camera, while authentication is handled by Touch ID integrated into the side button, rather than Face ID. There's also a dual-lens camera on the rear.

According to analyst Jeff Pu, the frame is made from a mix of titanium and aluminum. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also said Apple is using multiple materials, but he believes the main ones are titanium and stainless steel. Kuo also believes some hinge components will be made from Liquidmetal for further durability.

The foldable ‌iPhone‌ is rumored to be as thin as 4.5mm when opened up, which would make it even thinner than the ‌iPhone Air, so titanium is likely being used to prevent bending issues‌. With display and mechanical engineering challenges unlike any current iPhone, Apple's logistical groundwork hints that its first foldable device may finally be nearing reality. The ‌iPhone Fold‌ is expected to be part of the iPhone 18 lineup, launching in September 2026.

Article Link: Apple Stockpiling Parts for Foldable iPhone Ahead of 2026 Launch
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/31/apple-stockpiling-parts-foldable-iphone/
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Galaxy V fold, rather. I would hope Apple goes straight for a Z-fold, but I think the V will be all they can manage for the first generation.
 
Just as interesting as a first gen iPhone Fold will be the tech trickling down to cheaper iPhones over the coming years. The iPhone Fold will be a good choice starting in 2028 when you can get a second gen device from September 2027 for a somewhat lower price of perhaps roughly what a Pro Max costs now.

The iPhone Fold unfortunately has the problem that it won’t be able to do more than a Pro Max. If you can do without the inner screen there isn’t much left. Of course that screen is the entire point of it so for the niche of people that really need this and can’t bring an iPad Pro along it will be their main choice.

For me it’s cheaper and more versatile to bring my M4 iPad Pro along in the same bag with my iPhone. Having two separate devices makes it easier to for example be on a call and still watch a video on the iPad without FaceTime inevitably lowering the volume intermittently.

So you really gotta weigh the pros and cons of having an iPhone and iPad in one device. There certainly won’t be a cost benefit with the iPad Fold seemingly starting at 2 grand before tax.
 
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IDK, i have a iPad for big that I usually just bring when I need big (train ride, kitchen, couch)
 
The screen crease is the biggest problem for a foldable smartphone. I saw Galaxy fold a lot and all of the have a long screen crease and the durability sucks.

Other than that, there are minor problems such as short battery life, hinge durability, and more.
 
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okkibs said:
Just as interesting as a first gen iPhone Fold will be the tech trickling down to cheaper iPhones over the coming years. The iPhone Fold will be a good choice starting in 2028 when you can get a second gen device from September 2027 for a somewhat lower price of perhaps roughly what a Pro Max costs now.

The iPhone Fold unfortunately has the problem that it won’t be able to do more than a Pro Max. If you can do without the inner screen there isn’t much left. Of course that screen is the entire point of it so for the niche of people that really need this and can’t bring an iPad Pro along it will be their main choice.

For me it’s cheaper and more versatile to bring my M4 iPad Pro along in the same bag with my iPhone. Having two separate devices makes it easier to for example be on a call and still watch a video on the iPad without FaceTime inevitably lowering the volume intermittently.

So you really gotta weigh the pros and cons of having an iPhone and iPad in one device. There certainly won’t be a cost benefit with the iPad Fold seemingly starting at 2 grand before tax.
Click to expand...
You’re framing it wrong. A foldable isn’t about adding new features it’s about changing the context of how you use your phone. A Pro Max may do everything, but not comfortably on a 6” screen. A foldable gives you pocketable tablet space for multitasking, media, docs, gaming, and travel without carrying a bag or a second device.

Early pricing and gen 1 quirks are normal OLED, 120Hz, titanium, 1TB, all started as premiums too. Once durability and cost mature, convenience wins. Foldables don’t need more specs than a Pro Max they just need to be more usable in more situations. That’s the value.
 
okkibs said:
Just as interesting as a first gen iPhone Fold will be the tech trickling down to cheaper iPhones over the coming years. The iPhone Fold will be a good choice starting in 2028 when you can get a second gen device from September 2027 for a somewhat lower price of perhaps roughly what a Pro Max costs now.

The iPhone Fold unfortunately has the problem that it won’t be able to do more than a Pro Max. If you can do without the inner screen there isn’t much left. Of course that screen is the entire point of it so for the niche of people that really need this and can’t bring an iPad Pro along it will be their main choice.

For me it’s cheaper and more versatile to bring my M4 iPad Pro along in the same bag with my iPhone. Having two separate devices makes it easier to for example be on a call and still watch a video on the iPad without FaceTime inevitably lowering the volume intermittently.

So you really gotta weigh the pros and cons of having an iPhone and iPad in one device. There certainly won’t be a cost benefit with the iPad Fold seemingly starting at 2 grand before tax.
Click to expand...
Yeah, it is sad that owning a regular iPhone plus a separate iPad Mini is likely cheaper. Though, in reality the fold might be cheaper than it would cost to buy an iPhone Pro Max plus an iPad Mini. From that perspective, I may end up getting one.
 
Really excited for this. As someone who’s in the field 90% of the time, the extra screen real estate is going to be a game-changer for productivity, documents, calls, and multitasking on the go. It’s not meant for everyone, and that’s fine. New product categories always bring people complaining about price, durability, why not just bring an iPad, etc. Simple solution, if you’re not getting it, don’t sweat it. Let those of us willing to invest early push things forward. Otherwise, stay in your lane and enjoy the regular iPhones. Innovation doesn’t happen by standing still.
 
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Whenever I see folding modern phones, my first question is… “But why?”

Folding an all-glass phone in half has always been a questionable use case for me. What benefit is there to the user? Sure, you get a phone with half the footprint, but twice the thickness. Pocketability? Forget it. Even with two iPhone Airs joined with a hinge, that's more than I want to stick in my pocket, and more than I want to use on a daily basis. Bending fatigue will destroy the screen and hinge, unless Apple is going to make it two separate displays with a seamless hinge between them.

My guess is that of Apple is doing a bendable device, my guess it's going to have a solid use case behind it. It's going to have a better answer for the “But why?” question.

Here's my left-field theory:

Apple isn't making a 180° fold. They're going to use a bending screen to create a bendable tablet. The iPad mini would be the first of that type. Instead of folding 180° to a "closed" position, its default form will be as a tablet, but when you want to use it on a flat surface to type, you'd bend the screen to a 90° maximum and a keyboard would appear.
 
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