Apple’s much-anticipated foldable iPhone, commonly referred to as the iPhone Fold, has been one of the most talked-about upcoming smartphones in recent years. However, new insights from renowned Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that the wait may be longer — and more frustrating — than expected for Apple fans.
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According to Kuo, Apple is still planning to announce the iPhone Fold in the second half of 2026, but supply shortages and production challenges could significantly delay availability, potentially stretching into 2027. While the product itself is not canceled, limited initial shipments could make it one of the hardest iPhones to buy at launch.
iPhone Fold Development Is Behind Schedule
In a recent appearance on the Chinese MacroMicro podcast, Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the development timeline of the iPhone Fold has slipped compared to Apple’s original internal expectations. He later expanded on these comments in a detailed research note shared with investors.
According to Kuo, Apple is facing early-stage yield problems and manufacturing ramp-up challenges, which are common issues for first-generation foldable devices — especially at Apple’s scale.
“Development of the foldable iPhone is behind earlier expectations, but the product is still expected to announce in 2H26,” Kuo stated. “Due to early-stage yield and ramp-up challenges, smooth shipments may not occur until 2027.”
This means that while Apple may unveil the iPhone Fold during a September 2026 event, actual retail availability could be extremely limited for months.
iPhone Fold Could Face Shortages Until End of 2026
One of the biggest concerns highlighted by Kuo is supply constraints. Even if Apple officially announces the device in 2026, the company may not be able to meet consumer demand.
Kuo believes that shortages could persist until at least the end of 2026, with stable supply conditions only arriving sometime in 2027. This situation could mirror Apple’s past product launches where demand significantly exceeded supply.
A notable comparison is the iPhone X, which was announced in September 2017 but didn’t reach consumers in large numbers until much later due to OLED supply issues.
Possible Delayed Sales Timeline: 2026 Announcement, 2027 Availability
During the podcast discussion, Kuo suggested that many buyers may not be able to purchase the iPhone Fold until late 2026 or even early 2027.
This aligns with a previous report from Mizuho Securities, which also predicted that Apple’s foldable iPhone might not go on sale until 2027, despite an earlier announcement.
If these predictions prove accurate, Apple could adopt a strategy where the iPhone Fold is:
- Announced in late 2026
- Released in extremely limited quantities
- Widely available only in 2027
Expected Demand for iPhone Fold Will Be Massive
Despite the delays, Ming-Chi Kuo believes that consumer demand for the iPhone Fold will be extremely strong. Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market is expected to bring mainstream attention to the category, similar to how Apple popularized large-screen phones, Face ID, and premium wearables.
At one point, Kuo estimated that Apple could ship between 8 million and 10 million units during the first year. However, due to the reported delays, these numbers may now be revised downward.
Still, even limited availability is unlikely to hurt interest — instead, it could increase hype and exclusivity around Apple’s first foldable device.
iPhone Fold Design and Display Details (Rumored)
Leaks and analyst reports suggest that Apple is going with a book-style foldable design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series but with Apple’s signature refinements.
Expected Display Specifications:
- Outer display: ~5.5-inch cover screen
- Inner display: ~7.8-inch foldable panel
- Aspect ratio: Similar to the iPad, optimized for productivity and media
This design would allow the iPhone Fold to function as both a compact smartphone and a mini-tablet, making it ideal for multitasking, content consumption, and productivity.
Liquid Metal Hinges and Crease-Free Display Ambitions
One of the most exciting rumors surrounding the iPhone Fold is Apple’s work on a near crease-free display — a major pain point for current foldable phones.
Reports indicate that Apple may use liquid metal hinges, a material known for its durability and flexibility. This could allow Apple to achieve:
- Reduced screen creasing
- Better long-term durability
- Smoother folding mechanics
If successful, Apple could deliver one of the most refined foldable displays on the market, setting a new industry standard.
iPhone Fold Price: Apple’s Most Expensive iPhone Ever?
While Apple has not confirmed pricing, multiple reports suggest that the iPhone Fold could become the most expensive iPhone ever released.
Expected Price Range:
- $2,300 to $2,500 (USD)
At this price point, the iPhone Fold would compete directly with premium foldables from Samsung and other manufacturers, while reinforcing Apple’s position in the ultra-premium smartphone segment.
Foldables May Be the Last Smartphone Evolution
In an interesting aside, Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that foldable smartphones could represent the final major evolution of traditional smartphones.
According to him, once Apple enters the foldable market, the next major shift may not be another phone at all — but rather smart glasses with built-in displays.
This highlights Apple’s long-term vision beyond smartphones and suggests that the iPhone Fold may serve as a bridge between current mobile devices and future spatial computing products.
Final Thoughts: Is the iPhone Fold Worth the Wait?
While the news of potential delays may disappoint Apple fans, it’s important to remember that Apple is known for prioritizing quality over speed. If the company can deliver a durable, crease-free foldable iPhone with iPad-like usability, the wait may ultimately be worth it.
Key Takeaways:
- iPhone Fold announcement expected in 2H 2026
- Supply shortages likely until 2027
- Book-style foldable design with 7.8-inch inner display
- Liquid metal hinges for durability
- Expected price between $2,300–$2,500
- Strong demand despite limited availability
As more leaks and official details emerge, the iPhone Fold is shaping up to be one of the most important Apple products of the decade.
