Apple’s first foldable iPhone might not arrive until 2027, according to a report by Japan’s Mizuho Securities. The report says the delay is mainly due to design challenges, showing how difficult it has been for Apple to create a reliable foldable phone.
If the launch is pushed to 2027, Apple will be several years behind other smartphone brands that already have foldable models on the market. The company reportedly needs more time to perfect key parts of the device, especially the hinge system, which must be durable and smooth for users.
The upcoming foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.58-inch main display and a smaller 5.38-inch outer screen for quick tasks when the phone is folded. Production plans for the display panels have been scaled down, suggesting that the rollout will be slower than expected.
The delay could also affect Apple’s future product lineup. The report mentions that the ‘iPhone 18’ series might launch in spring 2027, while the ‘iPhone 19’ is being developed as a special edition to celebrate the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.
In the long run, Apple plans to introduce a cheaper second-generation foldable iPhone and is also working again on an 18.9-inch foldable MacBook, which could be released around 2028 or 2029.
These changes indicate that Apple is taking a careful and measured approach to foldable technology, allowing its competitors more time to strengthen their position in the market.