After years of speculation, Apple is finally making a move into the foldable iPhone smartphone market. While brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have had foldable devices on shelves for years, Apple has stayed quiet—until now. In June 2025, the Apple Foldable iPhone officially entered its Prototype P1 Phase, marking a major milestone in its product development cycle.
With a likely launch in late 2026, Apple appears focused on delivering a foldable that doesn’t just match its competitors—but beats them on durability, usability, and design.
Prototype Phase: Where Apple Stands Now
Apple’s foldable iPhone is currently in the Prototype 1 (P1) phase. This is the earliest hardware stage, where design, screen materials, and internal components are tested for structural viability.
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Here’s how Apple’s product timeline typically looks:
| Phase | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| P1 Prototype | Early engineering model | June 2025 |
| P2 & P3 Phases | Design iterations and hardware refinement | Mid to late 2025 |
| EVT (Engineering Test) | Hardware quality and reliability validation | Early 2026 |
| DVT (Design Test) | Final design approval before production | Mid-2026 |
| PVT (Production Validation) | Mass manufacturing trials | Late 2026 |
| Launch | Official public release | Likely September 2026 |
Apple’s top-tier manufacturing partners like Foxconn and Pegatron are already working on early trial builds to test assembly efficiency and build quality.
Why Apple Waited: Quality Over Speed
While the foldable market has grown steadily, Apple has chosen to observe rather than rush. The company is known for launching products only when the technology meets its high standards—and foldables have had a rocky start across the industry.
Apple’s focus areas include:
- Crease-Free Displays: A major weakness in current foldables is the visible screen crease. Apple is partnering with Samsung Display to develop a more seamless folding OLED panel.
- Hinge Durability: Apple is rumored to be using a “liquid metal alloy” for its hinge—light, strong, and more durable than traditional steel or aluminum.
- Titanium Chassis: Borrowing from recent iPhone Pro designs, the foldable iPhone may use titanium to balance strength with a lightweight build.
- High Manufacturing Yields: Apple wants consistent quality on every device. Early prototyping ensures the foldable can be mass-produced reliably.
This “best, not first” strategy may explain the delay, but it also builds excitement for what could be a category-defining product.
Foldable iPhone: Expected Features
While Apple hasn’t confirmed official specs, multiple industry insiders have reported consistent leaks:
| Feature | Rumored Details |
|---|---|
| Main Display | 7.5–7.8 inch foldable OLED (inner screen) |
| Cover Display | 5.5 inch external screen |
| Material | Titanium chassis, liquid metal hinge |
| Cameras | Dual 48MP rear sensors |
| Biometrics | Side-mounted Touch ID (Face ID not expected) |
| Battery | Unconfirmed, but likely dual-cell |
| Price (Expected) | ~$2,300 or ₹1.99 lakh (Premium flagship tier) |
Apple is aiming for a gapless fold, unlike some rivals that leave space near the hinge when folded. This attention to detail could set the foldable iPhone apart.
Foldable iPad Project Paused
Apple was reportedly developing a foldable iPad alongside the iPhone Fold. However, this tablet-sized innovation has now been put on hold indefinitely.
Why the iPad Fold is Delayed:
- High production cost for large flexible displays
- Complex engineering for bigger foldable formats
- Uncertain market demand for foldable tablets
- Shift in focus: All hands are now on ensuring the foldable iPhone succeeds
Analysts believe Apple will revisit the iPad Fold after gauging the success of the iPhone Fold—possibly around 2027 or later.
Market Strategy: Competing in the Premium Segment
With a launch targeted for late 2026—likely September alongside the iPhone 18 lineup—Apple is positioning its foldable phone as a premium flagship.
The goal is not just to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, Google Pixel Fold, and others—but to set a new benchmark. Apple is banking on:
- A mature foldable market by 2026
- Loyal iPhone users ready for a productivity-focused, dual-screen device
- A refined user experience that avoids the gimmicks of first-gen foldables
Estimated initial production is around 7 million units, suggesting a focused, high-end release.
Apple Foldable vs Current Rivals
| Feature | Apple Fold (Rumored) | Galaxy Z Fold 5 | Pixel Fold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Display | 7.8″ OLED, no crease (target) | 7.6″ OLED | 7.6″ OLED |
| External Display | 5.5″ | 6.2″ | 5.8″ |
| Hinge Material | Liquid Metal Alloy | Aluminum | Stainless Steel |
| Chassis | Titanium | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Biometrics | Side Touch ID | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint |
| Est. Price | ~$2,300 | ~$1,799 | ~$1,799 |
| Launch | Late 2026 (Expected) | Available | Available |
Final Thoughts: A Fold Worth Waiting For?
Apple’s foldable iPhone represents more than just a new form factor—it’s a statement. By entering the market carefully and with clear design priorities, Apple hopes to redefine what foldables can be.
With durability, usability, and elegance in focus, and a foldable iPad on pause, all eyes are now on the iPhone Fold—the next big leap in Apple’s product evolution.