[News] Apple’s First Foldable iPhone May Debut in Fall 2026, Made by Foxconn

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According to a report from UDN, citing Wccftech, sources from an X account reveal that Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in the fall of 2026, with an initial shipment volume estimated between 8 million and 10 million units. The report also notes that Apple aims to increase shipments to 20 million units by 2027.

As stated in the report, citing sources, Foxconn will be the manufacturer of the foldable iPhone in 2026, but by 2027, China’s Luxshare will join production.

The Display

The report mentions that the foldable iPhone will feature an OLED display developed by Samsung, integrating ultra-thin glass (UTG) technology from China’s Lens Technology.

The Design

Furthermore, the report suggests that the foldable iPhone will adopt a left-side folding design, measuring 9.2mm in thickness when folded and 4.6mm per panel. When fully opened, the display size is expected to exceed 12 inches, essentially merging two 6.1-inch smartphone screens. The report from Wccftech highlights that the device will have a book-style foldable design, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold series.

The Hinge

In addition, the report emphasizes that Apple has designed the hinge in-house, with U.S.-headquartered Amphenol and Taiwan’s Shin Zu Shing handling production.

The Camera Lens

When it comes to the camera, the report from Wccftech points out that the foldable iPhone will feature a dual-lens setup. The report indicates that the front-facing camera will utilize Metalens technology, with modules developed by Foxconn and LG. Meanwhile, the rear primary and ultra-wide cameras will incorporate hybrid glass-plastic lens technology, with Taiwan’s Largan Precision leading the development, as stated by the report.

The Batteries

As for the batteries, the report indicates that the foldable iPhone will be equipped with two stainless steel-cased batteries, offering a total capacity close to 5,000mAh and incorporating 3D stacking technology, as the report notes.

Aside from a foldable iPhone, the report from UDN also mentions that Apple plans to expand its foldable device lineup by launching a foldable iPad and MacBook in 2027, further strengthening its presence in the foldable market.

TrendForce notes that future developments in the foldable smartphone market are closely tied to the pace of cost optimization. Key components such as UTG and hinges could see mass production following standardization, significantly reducing costs. Additionally, an increase in foldable panel shipments by Chinese panel makers—who offer a price advantage over Korean suppliers—is expected to further lower the cost of foldable phones. This would enable brands to reduce sale prices and accelerate market penetration rates.

Read more

• [News] Apple Reportedly Set to Unveil iPhone SE 4 as Early as Next Week Without a Launch Event
• [Press Release] Foldable Phone Shipments Gradually Rise, Market Penetration Expected to Reach Nearly 5% by 2028, Says TrendForce
• Global Foldable Phone Shipments to Reach 17.7 Million in 2024, Yearly Increase Slows to 11%, Says TrendForce

(Photo credit: Apple)