Launch of Apple's First Foldable iPhone Could Be Delayed

[MacRumors]

The launch of Apple's first foldable iPhone could be delayed to 2027, according to Japan's Mizuho Securities (via The Elec).

The investment banking and securities firm suggested that a potential postponement could be due to Apple taking longer to decide on key design elements such as the hinge. The device is expected to feature a 7.58-inch inner display and a 5.38-inch outer display.

The report added that expected production of display panels for the foldable iPhone have now decreased from 13 million to nine million units. A launch in 2026 is still said to be possible, but if it goes ahead as planned, device production in the first year of release may lag behind panel production by as much as five to seven million units.

The firm corroborated reports that Apple plans to delay the launch of the iPhone 18 to the spring of 2027, launching alongside the iPhone 18e. The iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max are scheduled to launch in the fall of 2026, likely alongside the first foldable iPhone if it is not delayed.

Further in the future, Apple is apparently developing new technology for the iPhone 19 lineup, treating the model as a special release due to it falling upon the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. Moreover, Apple will apparently reduce the price of the second foldable iPhone, which will likely launch in the fall of 2027 if the first model isn't delayed.

Mizuho Securities also noted that there is now movement in the supply chain to resume work on a 18.9-inch foldable MacBook for release around 2028 or 2029 at the earliest.

Article Link: Launch of Apple's First Foldable iPhone Could Be Delayed

 

[MacUserFella]

Can we ever go one month without a delay?

 

[Astuces iOS]

I’m going to say lol because I don’t want this iPhone to be released…

It’s going to look like Apple copy android.

 

[kirky29]

*insert shocked face*

 

[MacUserFella]

It’s going to look like Apple copy android.

Apple has already copied Android numerous times, Android has also copied Apple, it’s called competition and catching up

 

[tridley68]

Not falling for this gimmick glad its delayed Apple shouldn't waist their money

 

[CharlesShaw]

This is bad. Arguing only about the iPhone Air simply cannot keep everyone occupied for another year.

 

[Swetsenegger]

If you see the Oppo Find N5 it is clear apple is seriously risking falling behind.

 

[captchasverybadman]

Past Peak Apple

 

[Innovati0n]

Can something that never was announced be delayed? Maybe it was always targeted for 2027 and rumors just had it wrong?

 

[MayaUser]

2025 turned into 2026...2026 will turn into 2027 and by that time foldable are washed out

 

[wanha]

In the smartphone business, specifications are typically frozen 12-18 months before launch. Major components (processor, display, camera sensors, etc) are locked even earlier, usually 18-24 months in advance.

But considering this is a totally new device category for Apple where spec freezing is likely to happen even earlier, there is NO WAY they are still debating whether or not to launch this in 2026.

Whether the foldable phone (iFold lol) comes out in 2026 or not, that decision has been made long ago.

 

[wanha]

Can we ever go one month without a delay?

What delay?

Nothing has been announced.

These are rumored internal timelines and those almost always change, because reality is often infinitely more complex than our plans.

 

[Innovati0n]

Not falling for this gimmick glad its delayed Apple shouldn't waist their money

You're right, better to hold money in a wallet than strap it to a waist.

 

[Digital Dude]

Well, at least they’re consistent…🫩

 

[adrianlondon]

Can we ever go one month without a delay?

Sometimes the announcement about delays is delayed and we have to wait two months for one.

 

[iMac The Knife]

Once again...called it!!! Classic 2025 Apple.

 

[Boeingfan]

Nooooooooo….

 

[xraydoc]

Glad I’ve got my iPhone One-Half-of-a-Foldable — I mean iPhone Air — already.

 

[Yourbigpalal83]

Im going to call BS on this one....if Mark Gurman or Ming Chi Kuo or someone with a reputation for being right called this, id be worried. This is some analysis generating a speculation to get clicks for their paper. These Analysis have never been right once in the long history of me following apple rumors! If it does get delayed it will be early 2027 to june to match the iphone's 20th anniversary!

 

[bobtamboo]

cant wait to have an apple foldable with apple intelligence by next century

 

[dannyyankou]

Unless something is announced first, it can’t really be delayed before it even exists.

 

[CATiNTHESTORE]

I probably even know why))))

 

[bLackjackj]

But Mark Gurman said it was definitely 2026,..so he MUST be right & this guy wrong…just like the 2 iPad Pro cameras 🙄🤦‍♂️

 

[Kylo83]

Apple love a delay