Apple Foldable iPhone Release May Be Delayed Until 2027

Apple’s much-anticipated first foldable iPhone may not arrive until 2027 due to challenges around hinge design, part specifications, and integration, according to recent analysis from Mizuho Securities (via TheElec).

Mizuho’s report highlights that Apple is still finalizing key components such as the hinge and overall engineering specifications. The firm argues that meeting a target of mass production by the third quarter of 2026 and launch by September would be difficult under current constraints.

In its scenario forecast, Mizuho sees production volumes for foldable panels being trimmed. Initial estimates ranged from 13 million to 11 million or even 9 million units. But even if Apple pushes ahead in 2026, they project the first-year shipment of foldables could be limited to 5 to 7 million units. That figure is well below earlier expectations of 10 to 15 million units.

Sources say that Samsung Display will supply all foldable panels for Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Industry insiders expect internal display sizes to measure around 7.58 inches, while external screens could be about 5.38 inches. The model is thought to adopt advanced features like Color filter on Encap (CoE), hole display design, and LTPO TFT backplanes.

Beyond the phone, Mizuho also suggests Apple’s foldable iPad development may slip to 2028 or 2029. While the company reportedly restarted a 18.9-inch foldable Mac or hybrid project, its timing will likely depend on early user feedback to the foldable iPhone.

Apple may also adjust its product timing strategy. The report proposes that the firm might shift to a dual-season iPhone launch cycle. Under that plan, the iPhone 18 lineup could include multiple variants, among them the foldable model. In that context, the standard iPhone 18 might debut in 2026, with a lower-cost “iPhone 18e” entering in spring 2027.

If Apple does proceed in 2026, the company’s overall iPhone shipments may slightly dip. Mizuho anticipates global shipments of 229 million units in 2026, down 7 % from 2025 projections of 246 million.