Apple’s long-rumored entry into the foldable smartphone market is finally starting to feel real, but if you’re hoping to snag one on day one, you might want to keep your expectations in check. New reports suggest that actually getting your hands on the first foldable iPhone could be a lot harder than usual. The device, commonly referred to as the “iPhone Fold,” is still on track to launch in late 2026, but shipping issues could mean you won’t easily find it on shelves until well into 2027.
The iPhone Fold could launch in 2026, but availability could lag
According to trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, development of the foldable iPhone has fallen behind Apple’s original internal schedule. Despite the delays, the company is expected to announce the phone in the second half of 2026 and will likely debut the iPhone 18 lineup during its usual September event. However, Kuo points out that while the announcement is safe, production is the real problem.
Folding phones are notoriously difficult to build, especially when it comes to the flexible screens and complex hinges required for their durability. Kuo warns that Apple could run into problems early on with production yields, meaning production lines could move slowly at first. Because of this, inventory could remain incredibly tight for months after launch, with smooth supply not occurring until sometime in 2027.
It feels a lot like the iPhone X launch in 2017
This phone underwent a major redesign, but was initially hard to find due to production bottlenecks. If history repeats itself, the iPhone Fold could be a rare unicorn at launch, with long shipping delays for anyone who isn’t lightning fast with their pre-order.
Leaked specs suggest a premium “book-style” design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold. We’re dealing with a 5.25-inch external screen and a huge 7.8-inch internal display, which strangely would result in Apple combining both the smallest and largest current iPhone screens in one device. Rumors also point to under-display cameras to keep the look clean, and possibly even a switch back to side-mounted Touch ID instead of Face ID to save space.
Inside, it’s said to run the next-generation A20 Pro chip, so performance won’t be an issue despite the foldable form factor.
The price? Get ready. Estimates put it at around $2,400 (roughly Rs. 2,15,000), which is significantly more than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. This price, combined with the tight supply, means that the iPhone Fold will initially be more of a “halo product” than a mass market hit.
For buyers, the takeaway is simple: Even if Apple unveils the foldable iPhone in 2026, you’ll likely need patience. True availability – where you can just walk into a store and buy one – may not arrive until 2027.
