Last week, a lesser-known analyst garnered attention by claiming that the iPhone Fold would not go on sale before December 2026. Now, Mark Gurman, considered a much more reliable source, has made statements supporting this possibility of delay.
iPhone Fold's Release Could Be Delayed to December 2026
Apple is reportedly planning a phased launch strategy for its iPhone 18 Pro models and the iPhone Fold. While both products were previously expected to be unveiled together in September 2026, the latest information suggests that the foldable iPhone's market launch could be pushed back to the end of the year, specifically December 2026. This view was first expressed by Barclays analyst Tim Long.
Apple CEO Tim Cook stated in the latest earnings call that capacity issues in TSMC's advanced manufacturing processes and fluctuations in the memory sector have created significant challenges. Therefore, it seems logical for Apple to launch its flagship products at different times.
What Will the iPhone Fold Offer?
On the technical side, the iPhone Fold is expected to come with highly ambitious innovations. The device is rumored to feature an improved hinge made from "liquid metal" material. Additionally, to minimize the screen crease, the panel is planned to be positioned between double-layered ultra-thin glass (UTG/UFG). This will both increase durability and distribute stress more evenly during folding. According to claims, the depth of the screen crease will be only 0.15 mm.
Apple is also said to be using a new technology called CoE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) in the OLED panel. This method replaces the traditional thick polarizer layer with a thinner color filter, making the screen thinner, lighter, and more energy-efficient. This structure also reduces stress, thereby extending the lifespan of the foldable display.
Regarding pricing, a new report from South Korea suggests that the device's starting price could be around $2,000. This would be a more affordable level compared to the previously discussed $2,300–$2,400 range.
On the software side, the iPhone Fold is said to come with an iPad-like interface. Side-by-side app usage and advanced multitasking features will be offered, but it won't be as complex a desktop-like system as in iPadOS. The inner screen is expected to have a wider aspect ratio, similar to iPad dimensions, while the outer screen will resemble a smaller iPhone display.
The device's outer screen will feature a punch-hole camera design, but the Dynamic Island interface will be retained for notifications. It is also rumored that Apple will completely remove Face ID and use Touch ID integrated into the side button instead. Although an under-display camera was tested for the inner screen, its low image quality makes its inclusion in the final product unlikely.
The device is expected to offer a vapor chamber cooling system, 2713 x 1920 resolution with a 4:3 aspect ratio, an A20 Pro processor, 12 GB of RAM, Apple's self-developed C2 5G modem, a 48 MP dual rear camera, up to a 24 MP front camera, and a battery capacity between 5,400–5,800 mAh. Additionally, the device is expected to be launched with eSIM support only.
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