The foldable phone trend has been thriving for years without Apple in the mix, but fans hoping for the company’s long-awaited entry might have to wait a little longer. Fresh reports suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be pushed back to 2027, with key engineering hurdles still being ironed out behind the scenes.
According to a research note from Japan’s Mizuho Securities, cited by Korean outlet The Elec, Apple is still refining the hinge and display structure for its foldable model—two of the most complex parts of any foldable device. The company was reportedly targeting mass production in the third quarter of 2026 to coincide with the iPhone 18 launch, but that timeline now appears unlikely. If the new schedule holds, the device could instead debut alongside the rumored iPhone 18e in spring 2027.
Mizuho has also trimmed its panel production forecast, dropping from an expected 13 million units to around 9 million. Even in an optimistic case, initial shipments could be limited to 5–7 million units. The total production plan sits somewhere between 10 and 15 million units, depending on final pricing and durability. The foldable is expected to cost well above $2,000 (the price tag for the Z Fold7), with Samsung Display remaining the exclusive OLED panel supplier.
Early details hint at a premium setup: a 7.8-inch inner LTPO display with Color filter on Encapsulation (CoE) for better brightness and thinner panels, paired with a 5.5-inch outer screen for quick access and daily use.
For now, Apple’s methodical approach suggests it’s not rushing into the foldable race. Whether that patience pays off—or simply gives rivals like Samsung and Honor more time to expand their lead—remains to be seen.
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