The long-rumored foldable iPhone is expected to launch next year, and a new report from Digitimes suggests that the device has entered its prototype testing phase last month. Based on info from supply chain sources, Apple already has a functioning prototype of its first foldable phone.
The prototype testing phase is expected to finish by the end of this year. From there, the device will enter its Engineering Verification Test (EVT) phase, and if everything goes as planned, we should see it announced alongside the iPhone 18 series in September 2026.
The new report also mentions that Apple has paused development of its foldable iPad due to a mix of manufacturing difficulties and weak consumer demand.
According to the latest rumors, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a Samsung-made 7.8-inch main OLED display with an under-display camera and a side-mounted Touch ID scanner and no Face ID. It will reportedly feature an “almost invisible” crease, and the whole device will be extremely slim at around 9–9.5mm when folded.
Apple is expected to use a titanium alloy chassis and a liquid metal hinge that would offer unparalleled durability for a foldable. As you might expect, this device won’t come cheap with rumors pointing to a launch price in the $2,100 – $2,300> range.
Source (paywalled)
