Apple’s first foldable iPhone may arrive later than planned, with analysts now expecting the launch to slip from 2026 to 2027. According to a new report from Japan’s Mizuho Securities, Apple needs more time to finalize the hinge mechanism and display specifications before moving into mass production.
As reported by The Elec, Mizuho said Apple’s plan to mass-produce the foldable iPhone in the third quarter of 2026 for a September release “would be difficult.” The firm attributed the potential delay to ongoing engineering decisions, especially around the hinge structure and mechanical design. This aligns with previous insights that Apple’s foldable development faces cost and hinge durability challenges, making it unlikely the device will meet its original schedule.
Apple’s initial target for foldable panel output has been revised down from 13 million to 9 million units. Even if production begins late in 2026, Mizuho expects first-year shipments of only 5 to 7 million units. The panels will reportedly be supplied exclusively by Samsung Display, leveraging Samsung’s 8.6-generation OLED production lines for improved efficiency and thinner designs.
The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.58-inch internal display and a 5.38-inch external screen, with technologies such as color filter on encapsulation (CoE), low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistors, and a hole-punch camera cutout. These enhancements continue Apple’s trend of integrating advanced display systems across its lineup, though analysts believe under-screen Touch ID remains unlikely for this generation.
Mizuho also outlined Apple’s broader product roadmap, which includes a new two-phase release cycle starting in 2026. The company is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, Air, and foldable model in the fall, followed by the base iPhone 18 and a new iPhone 18e in spring 2027. However, the report clarifies that while this remains Apple’s internal plan, the foldable iPhone may not make the 2026 window due to development delays.
Mizuho forecasts that Apple’s total iPhone shipments in 2026 will decline to 229 million units, down 7% from 2025, partly due to limited foldable production. However, it expects a rebound in 2027, coinciding with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary, when shipments could hit a record 252 million units. The milestone iPhone 19 series is expected to introduce new display and performance innovations.
The report also notes that Apple continues to explore multiple foldable form factors, including tablet-style devices and laptops. The company is reportedly working on an 18.9-inch foldable MacBook that could launch between 2028 and 2029, depending on the market response to its foldable iPhone. This timeline reflects Apple’s cautious approach, consistent with earlier predictions that the company might launch a foldable iPhone before a foldable iPad or push its foldable roadmap to 2026 and beyond.
In short, Apple’s foldable iPhone appears to remain on track internally for a late-2026 introduction but is more likely to debut in 2027 based on current development progress. The device will serve as Apple’s first major entry into the foldable market, setting the stage for future expansion into larger-screen products and new premium price tiers.
1 comment