Apple's Foldable iPhone Might Launch With Limited Availability
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a foldable iPhone, though production challenges may lead to limited initial availability. Analysts suggest the release could mirror the constrained rollout of the 2017 iPhone X.
Why it matters
As the foldable smartphone market grows, Apple's entry represents a significant shift in mobile hardware design and supply chain strategy.
<p>The latest iOS 27 code has <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/ios-27-all-but-confirmed-an-iphone-fold-is-coming-wwdc-2026" target="_self">all but confirmed</a> that a <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/iphone-foldable-ultra-all-the-rumors-i-actually-believe" target="_self">foldable iPhone</a> is in the works at Apple. The product's launch date and availability, however, still remain uncertain.</p><p>According to <a href="https://x.com/mingchikuo/status/2073770705905123705" target="_blank" title="(Opens in a new tab)">analyst Ming Chi-Kuo</a>, Apple plans to make only a limited number of units available at launch. He suggests the foldable could be announced alongside the <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/iphone-18-pro-tipped-to-receive-a-punch-hole-camera-dynamic-island-redesign" target="_self">iPhone 18 Pro</a> models in September, but preorders and sales would begin later on.</p><p>Kuo compares the foldable's situation to that of the <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/report-iphone-x-production-hasnt-started-yet" target="_self">iPhone X in 2017</a>. Back then, Apple adopted OLED panels and Face ID for its phones for the first time, and due to the manufacturing challenges associated with the major revamp, Apple could only make about 1 million units available at the end of September.</p><div class="mb-0 rounded-md bg-gray-100 p-3 md:p-5" id="related-video">
The article reports on industry rumors and analyst projections without taking a stance on the product's success.
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