Apple is accelerating the development of its long-rumored foldable iPhone, with plans to complete trial production by the end of 2025 and enter full-scale testing in the first half of 2026. According to sources within the supply chain, mass production is expected to follow in the latter half of 2026, positioning Apple to directly challenge Samsung’s lead in the foldable smartphone market.
Insiders reveal that Apple is initially targeting around 7 million units for the foldable iPhone’s first-year shipment—a figure that could account for over 30% of the global foldable phone market. Key Taiwanese partners such as TSMC, Foxconn, and Shin Nihon are reportedly involved in the early production stages and are preparing to capitalize on the lucrative opportunity.
Years in the Making, Now Taking Shape
While rival brands have been rolling out foldable devices since 2019, Apple has remained cautious. Despite ongoing speculation and repeated delays, the company has never confirmed its entry into the foldable phone space—until now. The supply chain now affirms that the foldable iPhone is moving forward, while a previously rumored foldable iPad project has been put on hold, largely due to concerns over pricing and market demand.
Sources indicate that Apple’s foldable phone has been under development for over five years, undergoing numerous design iterations, with changes continuing until very recently. Only now has Apple finalized the phone’s design, prompting its manufacturing partners to prepare for trial production before the year ends.
Apple’s Perfectionism Causes Delays—But Sets a High Bar
Apple’s high standards and demand for near-perfection have significantly slowed the timeline. Industry insiders say that even after molds are completed, the company has halted progress multiple times if product performance or market conditions did not meet expectations. This has led to frustration among suppliers, with some withdrawing from the project altogether.
However, those still onboard are described as highly resilient, committed to meeting Apple’s exacting standards in exchange for a stake in what could become a major new product category. These remaining supply chain partners are now entering a crucial phase as Apple gears up to take on the competitive foldable market.
With Samsung maintaining a dominant position in the foldable segment, Apple’s entry in 2026 could mark a turning point—offering consumers an alternative with the Apple ecosystem behind it, and possibly setting new benchmarks for design and functionality.
