Foldable iPhone and iPad will both launch in 2026, says analyst
Analyst Jeff Pu claims that Apple is about to start prototyping its first two foldable devices, with mass production scheduled for 2026.
Render of a possible iPhone Fold
Pu says that manufacturing will begin in the second half of 2026, which matches recent rumors, at least concerning the iPhone Fold. Since January 2025, multiple rumors have claimed that Apple has selected its foldable display manufacturer.
Jeff Pu's new note, as seen by MacRumors, specifically states that there are to be two foldable devices. He says that they are entering Apple's New Product Introduction (NPI) stage, and that mass production is scheduled for 2H26.
Pu does not name the iPhone or iPad, however, so even if his report is correct, it's conceivable that Apple is working on two foldable iPads, or two foldable iPhones. The most likely scenario, though, is that it is one of each -- although even then, it does not mean that Apple will necessarily launch both at the same time.
Alongside the claims about the foldable devices, Pu predicts that iPhone shipments will be "lukewarm" over the next 12 months because of the recently announced delays to Apple Intelligence. He says, though, that the foldable devices will change that, and specifically that they will boost manufacturer Foxconn's business.
All Apple devices go through a New Product Introduction (NPI) process, even ones that are new versions of existing products. The iPhone 17 Slim, for example, is expected to launch in September 2025, and reportedly entered the NPI stage in December 2024.
Note that Jeff Pu has a history of predicting pricing, product timetables, and aggressive release schedules which all tend to be wrong. He has, however, learned decent information at times.
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Comments
A foldable iPhone is a waste of time and money on a phone that by 2026 will reach the 20th anniversary of a product that has been milked just as long. Why not invest the resources on a new product to excite the Apple devotees?
New products to excite were going to be the Apple Car and the Apple Vision Pro. For former is obviously not going to happen anymore and the latter is… well… it’s a new product.
And Apple is investing resources now on another new product. It’s called Apple Intelligence. And… it’s… also new.
The question is, if Pu is only half right (or could it be a quarter right), does he get full credit, or does that only apply to Ming Chi Kuo?
Apple will be no different.
It a repair is needed because of a manufacturing defect or component failure within the warranty period there will be no issue.
Five years and counting for folding phones and the world hasn't been set alight with claims of folding phones not lasting.
Some fail. Some are abused. Just like with all phones.