Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Reportedly Enters Production

Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone may finally be moving from concept to reality.

According to a new supply chain post from the Weibo account Fixed Focus Digital, Apple has placed production orders for its first foldable display, signaling that manufacturing preparations are underway. The same source claims the device is confirmed to launch later this year, marking Apple’s official entry into the foldable smartphone category.

If accurate, this would represent one of the most significant hardware expansions in Apple’s modern history.

A Nearly Crease-Free Display

One of the standout claims in the report is the level of crease control Apple has achieved.

The leaker states the display indentation is kept under 0.15 millimeters, with a crease angle measuring less than 2.5 degrees. In practical terms, that would make the fold line significantly less visible than what we see on many current foldable devices.

These measurements align with earlier reports suggesting Apple has been working with specialized glass technology to minimize visible distortion. Samsung Display recently showcased a crease-reduced foldable OLED panel at CES, and industry observers have linked that development to Apple’s upcoming device.

If Apple delivers a foldable screen that appears almost seamless when open, it could address one of the biggest criticisms of the category.

Conservative Pricing, Surprisingly

Earlier industry estimates placed Apple’s foldable well above the $2,000 mark. However, this latest report mentions “relatively conservative” pricing.

That does not necessarily mean inexpensive, but it could indicate Apple is positioning the device to compete more directly with established foldables from Samsung and other manufacturers rather than pricing it as an ultra-luxury experiment.

The foldable is still expected to sit at the top of Apple’s product stack, likely sharing premium internal components with the rest of the 2026 lineup.

What We Know About the Hardware So Far

Previous supply chain rumors have suggested the device will feature a very large internal battery to handle the power demands of a dual-screen setup. Foldables consume more energy due to their larger internal display, and Apple is reportedly prioritizing battery longevity.

To maintain an ultra-thin chassis when folded, Apple is also expected to use a side-mounted Touch ID sensor rather than Face ID. This approach would allow the device to remain slim while avoiding the thickness required for a full Face ID sensor array inside a folding structure.

The overall aspect ratio is rumored to resemble a 4:3 “passport-style” format when unfolded, which would position the device closer to an iPad mini-like experience in landscape use.

Competitors Are Already Preparing

Apple’s entry into the foldable space is not happening in isolation.

Recent reports indicate Samsung is ramping up production of a Wide Fold smartphone with a similar 4:3 aspect ratio ahead of Apple’s expected launch. That timing suggests competitors are adjusting their strategies in anticipation of Apple’s arrival.

At the same time, Apple appears to view foldables as a longer-term platform shift rather than a one-off experiment. Engineers are reportedly exploring a smaller clamshell-style flip model that could follow the initial book-style release.

A Long-Awaited Shift

For years, Apple stayed out of the foldable race while competitors iterated publicly through multiple generations. The company appears to have waited until display technology matured enough to meet its standards, particularly around durability and crease visibility.

The same source recently claimed that production testing for the iPhone 18 Pro began earlier this week, suggesting Apple’s broader 2026 hardware roadmap is moving forward on schedule.

If the foldable iPhone launches later this year as reported, it would mark Apple’s biggest form-factor change since the introduction of larger-screen iPhones. The success of the device will likely hinge on two factors: how seamless the display truly looks when open and how well Apple integrates the experience into its ecosystem.

After years of watching competitors experiment, Apple may finally be ready to define what a foldable iPhone should be.