Apple is reportedly planning to unveil its first foldable iPhone next year, most likely as part of the iPhone 18 lineup slated for release in September 2026. However, a new report from Korean outlet The Elec, citing research from Mizuho Securities, claims the launch could slip to 2027. The delay stems from Apple’s ongoing work to finalize the design and key components — including the complex hinge mechanism.
According to the Mizuho report, mass-producing a foldable iPhone in the third quarter of 2026 remains a challenge given these design uncertainties. The firm also revised its production projections downward several times — from 13 million units to 11 million, and finally to 9 million. Even if Apple does meet its 2026 release target, analysts estimate the company may only produce between 5 and 7 million foldable units that year.
iPhone 18 Series Outlook
Earlier reports suggested Apple would skip the standard iPhone 18 model in 2026, pushing its release to spring 2027 alongside a new budget-friendly iPhone 18e. Instead, next year’s lineup is expected to include the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold. Mizuho’s forecast aligns with this strategy — and notes that even an on-time announcement of the foldable iPhone could precede a delayed retail launch.
Analysts expect Apple’s total iPhone shipments to dip slightly next year due to limited foldable supply and the absence of a baseline model. Shipments are projected to fall around 7%, from 246 million units this year to about 229 million in 2026. Despite this, Apple’s current 2025 lineup — particularly the Pro models — is performing better than expected, driving total production up to an estimated 94 million units this year, 6 million above initial projections.
Looking ahead, the standard iPhone 18 is expected to make a stronger impact in 2027, potentially selling up to 20 million units in its first year. Overall iPhone production could climb to roughly 252 million units that year — Apple’s highest output since 2015.
Foldable iPhone Design and Features
The upcoming foldable iPhone will reportedly feature a 7.58-inch main display and a 5.38-inch cover screen. Both panels are expected to use Samsung Display’s advanced LTPO OLED technology, supporting 1–120Hz ProMotion refresh rates. The device may also feature a Color filter on Encapsulation (CoE) design, which removes the need for a polarizer, improving brightness and energy efficiency.
Rumors suggest one of the displays could adopt a hole-punch camera design, though details about its size and placement remain unknown. Apple is also exploring under-display Face ID technology for future models, though it’s unclear if the first foldable iPhone will debut it.
Price Expectations and Long-Term Plans
Mizuho Securities did not specify a price, but analysts predict Apple’s first foldable iPhone could cost over $2,000, positioning it alongside Samsung and Google’s high-end foldables. By 2027, the technology could become more affordable as Apple refines production and scales manufacturing.
In the background, Apple is reportedly developing new hardware innovations for its 20th-anniversary iPhone, expected in the iPhone 19 or 20 series by 2027. Mizuho’s report also hints that public response to the foldable iPhone could shape Apple’s approach to larger foldable devices — including a rumored foldable MacBook. That 18.9-inch laptop could arrive between 2028 and 2029, depending on how consumers embrace Apple’s first generation of foldable tech.
