TL; DR
- Apple’s first foldable iPhone is still reportedly on track for a 2026 debut, according to Mark Gurman.
- It is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026, while the regular iPhone 18 may arrive later.
- Early supply could be limited, though sales are still expected to begin around launch time.
Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is still expected to arrive in 2026, with no major shift in launch timing. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company’s internal plans remain in place despite recent reports suggesting possible delays during development.
The current expectation is that Apple will introduce the foldable model in the first half of September 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. If that happens, Apple’s premium lineup next year would include its first foldable iPhone and the usual Pro models in the same launch cycle.
One notable part of the report is the standard iPhone 18. That model could reportedly arrive later, potentially in early 2027. A staggered release like this would allow Apple to focus manufacturing capacity and marketing attention on higher-end models first.
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There have been recent claims about engineering hurdles during the verification stage, including supply chain challenges that could have pushed production further out. Gurman says those issues have not changed the broader launch target. Apple is still said to be working toward a 2026 release window.
Supply may be tight at first. The foldable iPhone is expected to launch in lower volumes than regular iPhones, with early estimates pointing to an initial production run of around 7 to 8 million units. That would make it a smaller part of Apple’s overall iPhone output during launch season.
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As for the device itself, current rumors continue to point toward a book-style foldable design, similar in form factor to larger foldables already on the market. That would mean a larger inner display paired with a usable outer screen, instead of a smaller clamshell-style approach.
Apple has not officially confirmed any foldable iPhone plans, so details can still change. Still, ongoing supply chain activity and repeated reports from reliable sources suggest the project is moving forward.
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