iPhone Fold Enters Trial Production Phase Ahead of 2026 Launch

[MacRumors]

Apple partner Foxconn has started trial production on the iPhone Fold, according to Chinese leaker Instant Digital. Trial production comes before mass production, which Apple plans to start in July as long as no issues come up during the earlier testing stage.

So far, Apple remains on track to launch the iPhone Fold in 2026, though the latest rumors suggest that it's not going to come out in September. Instead, it could launch sometime after the iPhone 18 Pro, debuting as late as December. Apple is likely to announce the iPhone 18 Pro models and the iPhone Fold at the same time at its September iPhone event, but the following launch sounds like it will be split.

The iPhone Fold will be Apple's first foldable, and it's expected to feature a ~5.5-inch screen size when closed and a larger ~7.8-inch size when open. Apple plans to use a wider 4:3 aspect ratio, so it will be similar in shape to an iPad, with a wider, shorter size than many competing foldable smartphones on the market.

Apple plans to make the iPhone Fold as thin as 4.5mm when it's open, and that thin design requires compromises. There won't be a triple-lens camera setup so no Telephoto lens, and Apple also can't use Face ID because the TrueDepth sensor doesn't fit. Rumors suggest the iPhone Fold will have an iPad-style Touch ID side button instead. Apple is supposedly focused on minimizing the crease, and has achieved a design with a nearly invisible fold down the middle when the device is open.

For more on what to expect from Apple's first foldable iPhone, we have a dedicated iPhone Fold roundup.

Article Link: iPhone Fold Enters Trial Production Phase Ahead of 2026 Launch

 

[Rayansb]

I'm not sure how I feel about this one.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I don’t know man; Apple hasn’t been doing so well with their “coming later this year!” announcements the last couple of years.

 

[contacos]

First iPhone I may be checking out in years! Currently on my 3rd fold, using two simultaneously right now and I can't go back to a regular phone.

Shame it won't be coming out with "Pro" cameras though. This would have been a great selling point over all the other Foldables on the market

 

[i-Liam]

Another flop

 

[tyr2]

As a 13mini hold out… I find myself to be potentially interested. If the outside screen is mini sized and the total weight isn’t too obscene then I might well take a look.

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

As a 13mini hold out… I find myself to be potentially interested. If the outside screen is mini sized and the total weight isn’t too obscene then I might well take a look.

I used a Samsung fold 7 for the first time last week for 5 minutes at the spectrum mobile store and it was amazing in many ways unexpectedly much better than I thought it would be.

 

[JPack]

The 18 Pro started trials in February, so availability of the folding iPhone will probably be at least a month behind, meaning October or November.

If this ends up being $1,999 as reported earlier, expect it to be sold out through early 2027.

 

[now i see it]

Everything about this design says - folding iPad with telephone capability.

(Or unfolding iPhone)

 

[YankeeSR23]

I’ve been waiting for this phone for years and I’ll be preordering it as soon as possible. Already got whatever the potential cost set aside just for this.

Shame it won't be coming out with "Pro" cameras though. This would have been a great selling point over all the other Foldables on the market

You know they need something to upgrade for gen 2.

 

[ghostface147]

Dammit Apple on trial again??

 

[citysnaps]

It’s a *maybe* for me. Would need to play with one in the store before deciding.

 

[MacScape]

Why do you call it the Fold? They will never ever call it the Fold.

 

[Jethr_o]

If the fold actually is as unobtrusive as they are saying, then I think this will sell as many as they can make. Not for me (I value cameras above size), but it will be huge.

 

[Wolf Puppy]

I’m in day 1. I’ll be the guinea pig.

 

[johnsawyercjs]

Apple is supposedly focused on minimizing the crease

Supposedly?

 

[weckart]

I'm not sure how I feel about this one.

If it's not yeah, then it can only be nah.

 

[DocMultimedia]

Bring on the Flip. Of course that will be a year away. I'll do the 18Pro this year.

 

[klasma]

The 18 Pro started trials in February, so availability of the folding iPhone will probably be at least a month behind, meaning October or November.

There was already a report that it would likely launch in December: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/19/foldable-iphone-december-shipping-rumor/

 

[boswald]

Way out of my price range. I guess I'll keep my focus on the Air 2 and the 18 PM.

 

[Tr55]

The lack of FaceID is a fatal flaw.

TouchID is horrible once you have used FaceID.

Apple should have made it slightly thicker to accommodate FaceID that would have probably also allowed a telephoto lens and made crease management easier as well. While boosting battery life or made repair easier.

But as usual for Apple, it’s style over form.

 

[maconservative]

Although I rarely purchase first generation products, I have to admit I am intrigued by this.

At this point I am deciding at which price point I am willing to accept.

 

[Winterpark]

Zero desire or need for a folding iphone with a dent and scratch prone plastic screen.

 

[tim-apple-silicon]

Apple partner Foxconn has started trial production on the iPhone Fold, according to Chinese leaker Instant Digital. Trial production comes before mass production, which Apple plans to start in July as long as no issues come up during the earlier testing stage.

So far, Apple remains on track to launch the iPhone Fold in 2026, though the latest rumors suggest that it's not going to come out in September. Instead, it could launch sometime after the iPhone 18 Pro, debuting as late as December. Apple is likely to announce the iPhone 18 Pro models and the iPhone Fold at the same time at its September iPhone event, but the following launch sounds like it will be split.

The iPhone Fold will be Apple's first foldable, and it's expected to feature a ~5.5-inch screen size when closed and a larger ~7.8-inch size when open. Apple plans to use a wider 4:3 aspect ratio, so it will be similar in shape to an iPad, with a wider, shorter size than many competing foldable smartphones on the market.

Apple plans to make the iPhone Fold as thin as 4.5mm when it's open, and that thin design requires compromises. There won't be a triple-lens camera setup so no Telephoto lens, and Apple also can't use Face ID because the TrueDepth sensor doesn't fit. Rumors suggest the iPhone Fold will have an iPad-style Touch ID side button instead. Apple is supposedly focused on minimizing the crease, and has achieved a design with a nearly invisible fold down the middle when the device is open.

For more on what to expect from Apple's first foldable iPhone, we have a dedicated iPhone Fold roundup.

Article Link: iPhone Fold Enters Trial Production Phase Ahead of 2026 Launch

It’s not too late to kill it Tim. Don’t let this awful device be your legacy 😂

 

[eifelbube]

Another flop

Which iPhone flopped so far? The Fold is the first model I am considering —for good reasons— since I got my XS (hoping that the glass will be further toned in iOS 27).