• Despite prior rumors of suspension due to durability concerns, Apple is actively developing a foldable iPhone, with key personnel reassigned to the project.
  • The estimated release timeframe is around September or October 2026, with plans for a significant shipment volume.
  • While durability may not be a major concern, Apple faces challenges in ensuring profitability and pricing strategies for the foldable iPhone.

Previously, there were rumours that Apple had suspended the development of a foldable iPhone due to concerns about the durability of the foldable screen. However, the latest news indicates that the tech giant is still actively progressing with the project and has reassigned some key personnel from the Apple Vision Pro team to the project group.

The foldable iPhone may come out in 2026

A source familiar with Apple’s internal plans revealed to Alpha Biz that the company is actively developing a foldable iPhone and provided an estimated timeframe for its release, stating that Apple is expected to sell the foldable iPhone around September or October 2026. He also mentioned that some key members of the Apple Vision Pro team have been designated to participate in the development of this device.

With the successor to Apple Vision Pro still at least 18 months away from release, selected developers have ample time to transition to the next product, rumoured to be the foldable iPhone. While the latest news indicates a target shipment volume of 50 million units for Apple’s foldable iPhone, all these plans could be scrapped if significant obstacles are encountered during development.

Also read: Apple launches a new Windows app removing iTunes from PCs

Profitability is the main concern

It is worth noting that with Samsung‘s foldable displays receiving MIL-STD 810G certification from the US Department of Defense, durability issues are unlikely to be Apple’s primary concern. Instead, the company’s main concerns may be profitability and how to charge a premium similar to high-end models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max while selling the foldable iPhone.