Apple's highly anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market might be a case of too little, too soon for many eager buyers. A new report indicates that the tech giant's first foldable iPhone, tentatively dubbed the iPhone Fold, could face significant supply constraints following its expected launch in 2026, with shortages potentially lasting until the end of that year or even into 2027.
Production Delays Threaten Smooth Rollout
According to a leak from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the development of Apple's foldable iPhone is progressing slower than initially planned. While a 2026 release is still on the cards, "early-stage yield and ramp-up challenges" during mass production are the primary culprits. Kuo warns that these hurdles mean smooth, consistent shipments might not be achievable until 2027.
This aligns with earlier speculation that manufacturing partner Foxconn might have hit a roadblock. Initial reports suggested production could start by the end of 2025, but those plans appear to have been delayed. The analyst starkly summarised the situation, stating, "With limited supply and expected strong demand, the foldable iPhone could be facing shortages until at least the end of 2026." Another forecast from Mizuho Securities had previously suggested the launch could even be pushed to 2027 if Apple took extra time to finalise critical components like the hinge mechanism.
What to Expect from the iPhone Fold
Based on circulating leaks, the iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a book-style fold, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, rather than a clamshell flip design. The device is rumoured to boast a large 7.6 to 7.8-inch inner display, complemented by an outer screen measuring between 5.2 and 5.5 inches.
In terms of build and features, Apple is reportedly opting for a premium titanium chassis, matching the material used in recent iPhone Pro models. The foldable iPhone is also expected to be remarkably slim, with a thickness of approximately 9-9.5mm when folded and 4.5-4.8mm when unfolded. Other anticipated features include a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, an under-display front camera, and a creaseless display technology. Under the hood, it is likely to be powered by the A20 Pro chipset and may be offered as an e-SIM-only variant.
High Demand Meets Limited Supply
The potential scarcity is set against a backdrop of intense consumer interest and a premium price tag. While various leaks have suggested a wide price range, estimates consistently place the iPhone Fold in the ultra-premium segment, with costs potentially ranging from $1,800 to as high as $2,500.
This combination of groundbreaking design, Apple's brand appeal, and constrained initial availability could create a perfect storm, making the first-generation foldable iPhone one of the hardest-to-get gadgets of 2026. The device is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, while the standard iPhone 18 and a rumoured iPhone Air 2 might see their releases shifted to 2027.
