Apple to start producing foldable iPhones starting next year, new report reveals

Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market as early as next year, according to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kuo said that Samsung Display is expected to produce up to 8 million foldable panels for Apple in 2026.

The foldable iPhone is still in development and “not yet finalized,” Kuo noted, with critical components like the hinge still under consideration. However, he expects the device to come with “premium pricing”, aligning with Apple’s strategy of targeting the high-end smartphone segment.

A new chapter for the iPhone?

While Apple has remained tight-lipped, the move would mark a major design shift for its most profitable product line. The iPhone generated $201 billion in revenue in fiscal 2024 but has seen slowing growth since peaking in 2022.

Competitors like Samsung and Huawei have been shipping foldables since 2019, but the uptake has not been as one would expect. Apple’s entry could spark renewed interest in the form factor, or confirm that it remains a niche.

Folding phones promise tablet-like screen sizes in a pocketable design, but challenges like display creasing and durability remain barriers to mass adoption.

Early-stage development

Kuo, who specializes in supply chain analysis for TF International Securities, emphasized that Apple’s foldable phone plans are still subject to change, depending on engineering progress and market readiness.

Apple has not yet commented publicly on the report.