Apple’s long-speculated foldable iPhone is moving beyond the concept stage and edging closer to reality as a true competitor to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup. A new supply chain update from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reveals that Apple is gearing up to formally initiate development of the foldable device by late Q3 or early Q4 of 2025, with large-scale manufacturing anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2026.
According to the analyst, Foxconn is set to begin work on the foldable iPhone project by the close of Q3 or the beginning of Q4 this year. Kuo also notes that several key component details—such as the hinge design—are still under review and have not been finalized.
The forthcoming foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a dual-display layout, offering a smaller 5.5-inch screen when folded and expanding to a 7.8-inch display when opened. Designed with a book-like folding mechanism, the device is positioned to rival Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup, rather than the more compact Flip-style models.
Apple Foldable iPhone Updates:
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 18, 2025
1. Assembly supplier Foxconn is expected to officially kick off the project in late 3Q25 or early 4Q25. As of now, many component specifications (including the hinge, which has drawn considerable market attention) have yet to be finalized.
2. The… https://t.co/KsGu49JXkP
The device is expected to incorporate under-display cameras, but instead of Face ID, it might rely on a form of Touch ID for biometric authentication, likely due to limited internal space.
Previously, analyst Kuo predicted that Apple’s foldable iPhone could carry a price tag between $2,000 and $2,500. Notably, this estimate was made before the company began grappling with significant tariff pressures in China.
Kuo anticipates that Samsung Display will manufacture approximately 7 to 8 million foldable screens for Apple’s foldable iPhone in 2026. Apple is reportedly planning to order between 15 and 20 million units overall. According to Kuo, this volume could sustain Apple’s foldable iPhone lineup for two to three years, as demand may be tempered by the device’s high price point.