Apple has long been rumoured to be working on its first-ever foldable device. In fact, over the past few months, there has been constant buzz around Apple’s plans to launch an iPhone with a foldable display in 2026. Given Apple’s traditional launch cycle, new iPhones typically arrive around September during its autumn event. So, along similar lines, rumours suggested that Apple might introduce its iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 series. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that while the device could be unveiled at the same time, its shipping may be delayed compared to the rest of the lineup.
According to Gurman, while Apple is likely to introduce the foldable iPhone at its September event, it may not go on sale at the same time as the Pro models. The update from Gurman came during a recent Q&A session hosted by Bloomberg. “Foldable phones are very difficult to produce. That display technology is some of the most complex available on the market today. And so there is no doubt that this is going to come a little bit later than the Pro phones,” Gurman said during the Q&A (via 9to5Mac).
According to Gurman, one of the key reasons behind this delay is the complexity of foldable technology. He suggests that the foldable displays are still one of the hardest components to manufacture at scale. From durability issues to creating a nearly “crease-less” screen, there are plenty of challenges. And since Apple follows strict quality standards, it’s unlikely to rush the product without getting everything right.
Gurman also pointed out that this would not be the first time Apple has taken sweet time for a launch of new technology. When the company introduced the iPhone X, it marked a major design shift with Face ID and an edge-to-edge display. However, despite being unveiled alongside other iPhones, its shipping timeline lagged behind.
Gurman is also not alone in suggesting a delay in the arrival of the foldable iPhone. Recent reports support this view. A note from Barclays had earlier suggested that the foldable iPhone’s release might slip as late as December, rather than shipping shortly after its launch. While Gurman did not confirm a specific date, his comments indicate that the delay may only be by a few weeks or months, rather than a long push into the next year.
iPhone Fold specs and expectations
On the specifications side, there is growing chatter among analysts that Apple is taking a cautious, long-term approach with its foldable strategy. Ming-Chi Kuo has previously indicated that Apple is targeting a refined user experience with advanced hinge mechanisms and a large foldable display. Similarly, Ross Young has highlighted Apple’s efforts to reduce visible creasing, a common issue in current foldable phones.
There are also rumors hinting that Apple could even bring in its foldable in a more premium tier, possibly under an “Ultra” branding, separate from its regular Pro lineup. Based on early 2026 supply chain reports, the device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch flexible OLED internal display with a nearly invisible crease, complemented by a 5.5-inch external cover screen.
Under the hood, it will likely be powered by the A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process, supported by 12GB of RAM. While the iPhone may not adopt a power-button Touch ID sensor to save internal space, the software is expected to be a specialized version of iOS 27 that allows for advanced multitasking and iPad-like sidebars.
As for pricing, Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone could arrive in the market starting at around $1,999. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is said to arrive in the first quarter of 2027.
