Kuo: iPhone Fold Production Challenges Could Limit Supply Next Year

[MacRumors]

Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone could face supply shortages into 2027 despite a planned launch next year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo said in a new research note:

"Development of the foldable iPhone is behind earlier expectations, but the product is still expected to [sic] announce in 2H26. Due to early-stage yield and ramp-up challenges, smooth shipments may not occur until 2027. With limited supply and expected strong demand, the foldable iPhone could be facing shortages until at least the end of 2026."

The warning suggests Apple's ambitious foldable device will face manufacturing hurdles when it enters mass production. Foxconn was expected to begin limited production of the device before the end of this year, but a dearth of reports on that front could potentially mean that the "iPhone Fold" remains in the design validation stage, where manufacturing consistency issues can still arise.

Kuo's forecast of production challenges is reminiscent of concerns previously raised by Mizuho Securities, which suggested the launch could slip to 2027 if Apple takes longer to finalize design elements like the hinge mechanism. For his part, Kuo appears to be saying that Apple is still on course to announce the device in the fall of 2026, but it could end up shipping the device in large volumes later than planned.

• iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a book-style design with an approximately 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen. It will reportedly use liquid metal hinges to achieve a virtually crease-free display and is expected to be priced between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever.

Article Link: Kuo: iPhone Fold Production Challenges Could Limit Supply Next Year

 

[ForkHandles]

The only thought I had that could make this useful is if it could connect to a keyboard and mouse.

One could then carry around a phone, get to an office environment and dock the iPad in order to get some productivity out of it.

Otherwise…..why?

Even then, it’s a small screen.

 

[surfzen21]

This whole story line is FOLDING in on itself.

 

[Kylo83]

This will flop like the air people don’t want gimmicks and foldable is that compromise on flagship features

 

[Mojohanna32]

Every new phone that comes out Kuo says the same thing. Supply will be limited due to challenging manufacturing/assembly etc.

 

[wanha]

Maybe if I write this fact one more time, MacRumors editors will finally take note:

Specs for phones are locked in 12-18 months before launch, and they are locked in even further in advance for new devices like this one.

There is absolutely zero chance Apple is still "finalizing design elements like the hinge mechanism" 10 months before launch. Zero.

 

[MayaUser]

yea yea same story as a new "product" comes along...just keep making people this is an limited edition so jump and pre-order it

 

[WarmWinterHat]

This will flop like the air people don’t want gimmicks and foldable is that compromise on flagship features

I have no interest in one, but people are absolutely interested and will be buying. With it's ridiculous price, demand will be muted, but it won't flop.

I posted here a few days ago about about a coworker that moved to a Samsung foldable, because Apple was taking too long, and it's his first time using Android. Ditched his Apple Watch, too.

 

[marco114]

I have zero desire for this. I hope it doesn't become the norm. I have an iPad if I need a bigger screen.

 

[Nyx1]

Kuo shut up you not gurman

 

[dominiongamma]

I have zero desire for this. I hope it doesn't become the norm. I have an iPad if I need a bigger screen.

You don’t have to buy it. Why limit people’s choices ?

 

[Apple_Robert]

The same thing has been said about several other phones in the past and each time it hasn’t been an issue.

 

[Zorn]

I have zero desire for this. I hope it doesn't become the norm. I have an iPad if I need a bigger screen.

Once I get this I'm selling my iPad. I hate having multiple devices to keep charged and track of.

 

[iMac The Knife]

This will flop like the air people don’t want gimmicks and foldable is that compromise on flagship features

Time will tell, but I believe the iPhone foldable will do far better than the Air. Too many people underestimate how many people will absolutely have to get their hands on this shiny new Apple product. And with up to 36 month financing available at 0% interest, the price won't even be a factor for most people (who are even remotely interested in owning an Apple foldable phone).

 

[iMac The Knife]

Once I get this I'm selling my iPad. I hate having multiple devices to keep charged and track of.

That is what I did. I gave my wife my iPad Mini when I got my first foldable phone, and I've never looked back.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

I honestly don’t get why so many Apple enthusiasts here are actively rooting for an entirely new product category to fail. If foldables aren’t for you, cool, don’t buy one. But cheering against progress and innovation just because it’s different feels weird coming from a community that usually celebrates Apple pushing forward. Rooting for Apple to play it safe and ship the same slab forever just so you can say “told you so” isn’t exactly how great products get made.

 

[Jeremy3292]

The upcoming 2027 20th anniversary iPhone is the one everyone will buy IMO. Similar to iPhone X and 6

 

[rappr]

Maybe if I write this fact one more time, MacRumors editors will finally take note:

Specs for phones are locked in 12-18 months before launch, and they are locked in even further in advance for new devices like this one.

There is absolutely zero chance Apple is still "finalizing design elements like the hinge mechanism" 10 months before launch. Zero.

MacRumors acts like Apple is still finalizing screen sizes the day before launch 🤣

 

[dead.cell]

Probably in the minority here, but if I'm to get a folding phone, I'd rather the screen not actually bend and they just use dual screens, similar to what we saw with Microsoft's Surface phone. I still see a lot of potential in that.

Granted, Microsoft's endeavor was a failure both on the hardware and software, but that's a whole different matter.

 

[StoneJack]

Day one buy for me. I have used MS Surface Duo, a folding phone, while severely limited by OS, the form itself was magnificent. I can't wait for Apple's folding phone. Besides, I can also retire my Mini 7 then. I even wanted to buy Surface Duo 2, had it not been discontinued by MS. The ability to carry larger display while being portable is great and folding phone also saves space.

 

[Plutonius]

The supply of any new Apple product always seems to be constrained if the product is in demand.

 

[klasma]

You don’t have to buy it. Why limit people’s choices ?

He says he’s hoping it doesn’t become the norm, which would limit other choices.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Every new phone that comes out Kuo says the same thing. Supply will be limited due to challenging manufacturing/assembly etc.

It sets up the narratives Apple likes of:

"SO POPULAR"

"So much demand!"

"We can't even keep it in stock, as the 4 units we shipped to each Apple Store sold out instantly!"
(sold to Youtube influencers, like early AVP units)

 

[lazyrighteye]

Maybe if I write this fact one more time, MacRumors editors will finally take note:

Specs for phones are locked in 12-18 months before launch, and they are locked in even further in advance for new devices like this one.

There is absolutely zero chance Apple is still "finalizing design elements like the hinge mechanism" 10 months before launch. Zero.

Yeah I would imagine any adjustments at this stage would be with assembly, not hardware.

 

[switz]

Hopefully those cargo pant pockets will get bigger for the larger volume space required for a folding phone. The hip pocket on a pair of jeans would stain to hold a double phone now.

Also, if in a hip pocket, will sitting on a fold phone cause hinge issues or break the glass?