Apple’s first foldable iPhone is set to debut in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup—but production isn’t a done deal yet. According to a report by Digitimes, contract manufacturer Foxconn is currently making “final adjustments” to mass production, while the exact launch date for the foldable iPhone remains unclear.
Key takeaways:
- According to Digitimes, Foxconn is making “final adjustments” to mass production.
- The launch is still expected in September 2026—alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.
- The biggest challenges remain the hinge mechanism and display durability.
- The starting price is likely to exceed $2,000 (over 2,300 euros).
Foxconn is overseeing the foldable iPhone from development through mass production
According to the report, Apple has commissioned Foxconn to oversee the device from product development (New Product Introduction) through to mass production. Foxconn’s experience with precision structural components and fine-tuning large-scale production runs is said to be a key factor. One industry source even goes so far as to describe Foxconn as the only Apple partner that can realistically meet the targeted production goals.
Mixed Signals from the Supply Chain
However, the report doesn’t quite align with the news flow so far. Foxconn had already started test production in April, and after resolving issues with the hinge and circuit board, Apple increased the order to around ten million units. Just two weeks ago, it was reported that the device had entered mass production without delay. The latest Digitimes report, however, suggests a possible delay of one to two months due to the technical validation phase—the hinge design and display durability remain the trickiest issues.
It’s well known that Apple sets particularly high standards here: The company waited to launch the project until its display partner, Samsung, could deliver an inner display that was virtually crease-free. This very issue is also driving the competition—Samsung recently unveiled its new generation of foldables centered around the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. And even before that, there were reports of a possible delay for the foldable iPhone.
Here’s What’s Inside the Foldable iPhone
The production reports do not change the expected key specifications. The device, also referred to internally as the “iPhone Ultra,” features a foldable book-style design:
| Feature | Expected Specification |
|---|---|
| Form factor | Book-style (foldable) |
| Internal display | approx. 7.7–7.8 inches |
| External display | approx. 5.5 inches |
| Thickness (open) | approx. 4.5 mm |
| Release | September 2026 (along with the iPhone 18 Pro) |
| Starting price | Over $2,000 (expected to be over 2,300 euros) |
| Manufacturing | Foxconn (from NPI to mass production) |
Market launch: September remains likely, but tight
Despite the unanswered questions, September 2026 remains the most likely date for the unveiling. Sales are expected to follow shortly thereafter, though availability will likely be limited at first. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo anticipates supply shortages and high retail prices at launch anyway. So anyone looking forward to the first foldable iPhone should brace themselves for limited supply and a hefty price tag.
