Prototype phase reached, full launch may follow next year
Apple’s long-anticipated folding iPhone, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold, is reportedly on schedule for a potential release in the second half of 2026, according to new reports from supply chain sources. The device is said to have reached the Prototype 1 (P1) stage last month, marking Apple’s first internally tested, fully-functional folding unit.
This milestone signals the beginning of Apple’s formal hardware prototyping phase. The P1 stage follows earlier mockups and breadboard tests and represents a significant step forward in the development cycle. If the project progresses without delays, Apple could begin Engineering Verification Testing (EVT) by the end of 2025.
Apple aims for a seamless fold
True to its strategy of entering markets only when confident in delivering a superior experience, Apple is said to be addressing one of the key pain points of current foldables: the visible screen crease. Sources indicate that Samsung, which supplies displays to Apple, is developing a higher-grade folding screen than it uses in its own foldable devices.
This aligns with Apple’s “best, not first” philosophy. While Samsung, Huawei, and other brands have already released multiple foldable phones, Apple has been taking its time to ensure durability, display quality, and user experience meet its premium standards.
Specs still evolving
Apple has reportedly not yet finalized the internal specifications. However, early leaks suggest the iPhone Fold could include a 7.58-inch main display, a titanium chassis, and dual 48MP rear cameras. These specs are still in testing and may change before mass production begins.
The design language of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air is rumored to serve as a transitional form factor leading into the foldable line. This may hint at shared components or design cues across future iPhone models.
Launch timeline remains cautious
Despite promising progress, the iPhone Fold still faces a multi-stage development process. After P1, Apple must complete additional prototyping rounds before entering EVT. That means a 2025 release is off the table, but a 2026 launch window is increasingly plausible—assuming the remaining phases go smoothly.
With expectations rising and competitors expanding their foldable lineups, all eyes will be on how Apple redefines this next phase of mobile design.
