Apple Foldable iPhone Launch Delayed: What to Expect in 2026–2027

Ming-Chi Kuo, an industry analyst, claims that even if Apple’s much-expected foldable iPhone is officially announced next year, it might still take a while before the smartphone reaches customers. The problem lies in initial production hurdles and the difficulties of making the foldable production process more massive.

It has been reported that Apple expected the first year’s shipment to be around 8 to 10 million units. In the meantime, however, Kuo is warning that the technical difficulties, especially with flexible displays and hinge systems, might result in general availability being delayed until 2027. Kuo’s argument is that foldable devices are so complicated that even well-experienced companies like Samsung had to go through several rounds before achieving stabilizing production.

During a recent exchange/exchange in the MacroMicro podcast, Kuo said that the company still has the option to announce the foldable iPhone in the second half of the year 2026. However, the shipments for the masses would be limited just like iPhone X in 2017 which had supply shortages even though the reveal was on schedule.

Apple’s main reason to enter the foldable market quickly is that it considers it a necessary step in the smartphone industry before newer devices (like display-equipped smart glasses) become popular. The iPhone Fold, however, might be a premium and an uncommon choice at launch due to the production timelines and the quality standards enforced company-wide.

Kuo mentioned that the predicted number of the first shipment might be too high. Conversations around the supply chain have it that the actual count could be reduced when Apple has specifications in place and manufacturing issues sorted out. This means that the consumers who will wait for the first foldable iPhone will likely find the stock to be very limited throughout 2026 with the situation easing up in 2027 when the general public would have easier access.

Although the iPhone Fold is anticipated to exhibit the epitome of Apple's design and technology, the difficulties experienced in the initial stages of production still point to the problem of the company's setting quality standards for the foldable devices.

For the time being, the waiting period for the first foldable invention of Apple to be experienced by its fans and early adopters is going to be longer due to the technical challenges involved in determining the launch date.