Apple fans waiting for a folding screen may need a little extra patience. While the first foldable iPhone is expected to arrive in late 2026, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that getting your hands on one will be a challenge well into 2027. Even if Apple hits its targeted launch date, production hurdles could make this one of the most difficult devices to find in years.
Kuo indicates that while the project has slipped behind its original internal schedule, Apple is still aiming for a reveal in the second half of 2026. This likely means a debut during the traditional fall iPhone event. However, the complexity of a folding design paired with low initial manufacturing yields means that supply probably won’t stabilize until the following year.
The Challenges of Folding Tech
Building a foldable phone is significantly more difficult than manufacturing a standard glass slab. Components like the hinge mechanism, ultra-thin glass, and specialized display layers are notorious for high defect rates during the early stages of production. Apple is reportedly still fine-tuning these hardware elements, particularly the hinge, which adds more uncertainty to the assembly line. Because of these technical risks, Apple may take a conservative approach, starting with lower production volumes until they can guarantee the refined experience users expect.
Early adopters should prepare for the possibility of long wait times. If demand for a folding iPhone is high, stock could vanish instantly, leaving many buyers waiting weeks or months for specific colors or storage tiers. Kuo’s latest forecast suggests sales might reach the tens of millions by 2027, which points to a slow, steady ramp-up rather than a massive global rollout on day one.
A Competitive Landscape
This limited availability could be a gift to competitors. As long as Apple remains supply-constrained, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and various Google handsets will have more room to breathe and maintain their market share. When Apple does finally enter the ring, it will likely validate the entire product category for the average consumer, turning foldables from a niche enthusiast choice into a mainstream goal.
For the first year, the foldable iPhone might exist more as a premium status symbol than a mass-market device. Between the constrained stock and what will likely be a very high price tag, many shoppers may choose to wait for the second-generation model. By then, Apple will have likely ironed out the production kinks and improved the hardware durability, making for a much smoother buying experience.
