After years of rumors, Apple may have taken its first concrete step toward a foldable iPhone. According to supply chain sources cited by MacRumors and Bloomberg, trial production of the device has reportedly begun at Foxconn facilities.
The reports, not officially confirmed by Apple, were later echoed by Forbes, which suggested the hardware design may be approaching its final form. As with most pre-launch Apple products, these details originate from supply chain leaks and analyst reports and remain subject to change.
Current rumors suggest the device, often referred to as “iPhone Fold”, could feature a roughly 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded, putting it close to small-tablet territory. That positioning would effectively bridge the gap between iPhone and iPad.
Production cost estimates range around $750–$800 per unit, with an expected retail price near $1,800. If accurate, the device would sit firmly in the ultra-premium segment, above existing Pro Max models.
Several reports point to a potential launch window in the second half of 2026, possibly alongside the next iPhone generation. However, Apple’s timeline remains fluid, and the company has historically delayed new product categories until they meet internal standards.
Apple’s entry into foldables is widely seen as a pivotal moment for the category. The market is currently led by Samsung and its Galaxy Z lineup, along with multiple Chinese manufacturers. Historically, Apple’s arrival in a segment has often accelerated mainstream adoption.
If confirmed, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could mark the company’s biggest iPhone lineup expansion in years, and a turning point for the foldable smartphone market.
