Apple foldable screen phone launch time

According to the comprehensive analysis of existing data, there are multiple clues and predictions for the launch time of Apple’s first folding screen phone. The following discussion is from the perspectives of official dynamics, supply chain progress, analyst forecasts and historical release rules:

 1. Official news and technological research and development progress

1.  WWDC 2025 Technology Preheating
   
   In March 2025, Apple announced that WWDC (Global Developer Conference) will be held on June 10, focusing on software innovation and hardware configuration. Among them, the design details of the folding screen iPhone were disclosed: it uses a titanium alloy body, self-developed “floating dual-track hinge”, and liquid metal material to improve durability and screen flatness, and cancel the Face ID and switch to side Touch ID. This shows that Apple has entered the engineering verification stage of folding screen technology, but the mass production time has not been specified.

2.  Technical direction
   
   Apple has put forward extremely high requirements on the core pain points of folding screens (such as creases and hinge reliability). According to the data, it has achieved the “nearly zero crease” effect through new hinge design, ultra-thin glass (UTG) and screen stacking technology. In addition, Samsung Display offers OLED panel samples that are close to perfection and become the exclusive supplier.

 2. Supply chain progress and mass production plan

1.  Supply chain finalization and production rhythm

   • Panel supply: Samsung Display defeated LG and BOE in April 2025 to obtain exclusive supply rights for folding OLED panels, and plans to start mass production by the end of 2025.
   • Core components: The hinge is optimized by Amphenol, cover glass or ultra-thin version supplied by Corning. Foxconn is responsible for the assembly of the entire machine and enters the NPI (new product introduction) stage.
   • Mass production timetable: Apple plans to determine the final supply chain before April 2025, start mass production of components in the second half of 2025, and enter mass production of the entire machine in the second half of 2026.

2.  Technical verification cycle
   
   Apple’s durability test cycle for folding screens is long. For example, 200,000 folding tests (far exceeding the industry average standard of 100,000), resulting in the mass production time being subject to yield and reliability verification.

 3. Industry analysts and market forecasts

1.  Mainstream analyst views

   • Jeff Pu: It is predicted that the foldable iPhone (7.8-inch internal screen) will be mass-produced in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will be launched at the end of 2026 or early 2027, with a price of over $2,000.
   • Guo Mingchi: It pointed out that Apple will determine the final specifications in Q2 2025, start the project in Q3, mass production in Q4 2026, and shipments in the first year are expected to be 3-5 million units, positioned at the high-end market.
   • TrendForce: It believes that Apple may postpone its launch until 2027, due to strict requirements on creases and reliability, extending the R&D cycle.

2.  Market Institution News
   
   Some supply chain personnel said that Apple’s original schedule for release in Q4 2026 may be postponed to Q1 2027, but Samsung’s mass production progress has accelerated in the near future, which may push the timetable forward.

 4. Apple product release cycle rules

1.  History release window
   
   New iPhone products have always been released in September (such as this rule is followed from 2021 to 2024), and major innovative products are often unveiled at the autumn press conference. If the foldable iPhone is promoted as planned, September 2026 is a reasonable time point.

2.  WWDC and supply chain collaboration
   
   Apple usually displays new technologies at WWDC (such as the 2025 hinge design), and then spends 1 year to optimize mass production, in line with the pace of release in fall 2026.

 V. Comprehensive conclusions and potential variables

1.  Most likely time to go on sale
   
   Based on the progress of the supply chain and analyst consensus, Apple’s first folding screen mobile phone is likely to be released with the iPhone 18 series in September 2026 and will be officially launched in Q4 of the same year. If technical verification or production encounters obstacles, it may be postponed until early 2027.

2.  Product Positioning and Market Influence

   • Price: It is expected to be US$2,000-2,500 (about RMB 14,000-18,000), targeting the high-end market, competing with Huawei Mate X series and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.
   • Technical highlights: crease-free screen, titanium alloy body, side Touch ID, and AI-powered iOS 19 system.
   • Market impact: Apple’s entry may drive the penetration rate of foldable screen phones to increase from 1.5% in 2025 to 4.8% in 2028, and accelerate supply chain innovation.

3.  Risk warning
     The risk of mass production delay mainly comes from:

   •  Samsung panel yield is insufficient;
   •  The hinge durability test failed to meet the standards;
   •  Software adaptation (such as iOS optimization of folding screens) is lagging.