Apple’s Foldable iPhone Could Launch Ahead of Schedule

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Apple has been developing a foldable iPhone for several years, and recent supply chain reports suggest the device may soon enter production. Analysts predict that the foldable iPhone could be launched alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September 2026.

According to a report on Chinese platform Weibo, trial production of the iPhone 18 series is expected to begin after the New Year, with full-scale manufacturing potentially starting in February, ahead of the Spring Festival. If the schedule holds, a retail launch could take place around March 2026.

Apple typically launches premium models in the fall, with standard models following later. The foldable iPhone is expected to debut alongside the Pro models, given its high price and appeal to early adopters. Supply chain sources indicate that Apple is quietly testing the foldable iPhone’s display and hinge mechanism. Trial production aligns with Apple’s standard 12–18 month preparation timeline, making a possible retail launch by the end of 2026 feasible.

Read more: Leaked Details Reveal Apple’s Upcoming iPhone Fold Design and Camera Setup

Experts suggest the foldable iPhone will feature the next-generation A-series processor, positioning it as a premium, reliable device. Some analysts note that Apple could delay the launch to 2027 to refine production, manage costs, and evaluate the market for other foldable devices.

Most analysts currently expect the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Fold to launch in September 2026, while the iPhone 18 and 18e could debut in Spring 2027. This strategy would maintain the foldable iPhone’s premium status while giving Apple a headline-grabbing new category at its annual launch event.