For years, many Apple fans have been waiting for a foldable iPhone. It still looks set to debut this year, but the rollout may not be straightforward: the launch could slip, much like the iPhone X did in 2017. Supply may also be scarce, which could tempt early buyers to resell the foldable iPhone online for as much as twice the official price.
Samsung has been selling foldable smartphones since 2019, while Apple has largely ignored the form factor. That is expected to change this year, with Cupertino finally preparing a foldable iPhone that some outlets are already calling the “iPhone Fold” or “iPhone Ultra”. Unfortunately, Apple fans may have to wait longer than expected to buy this new kind of iPhone. And anyone determined to get it on day one may end up paying a premium. That is the warning from well-known analyst Ming Chi Kuo, in a note shared on his X account.
A delayed launch and limited production at first
In essence, because this would be an entirely new type of iPhone, Apple could follow a launch playbook similar to the iPhone X in 2017. The foldable iPhone is expected to be unveiled in September, but unlike the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, it reportedly would not go on sale until the final quarter of 2026. On top of that, Apple’s starting inventory could be constrained, as manufacturing would still be ramping up at a slow pace.
As a result, the foldable iPhone could sell out as soon as pre-orders open, and delivery estimates after launch might lengthen quickly. Some people could take advantage of the shortage by flipping foldable iPhones online at very high prices. “[…] the foldable iPhone could be out of stock as soon as pre-orders open, with delivery times quickly stretching to 4 to 6 weeks, or more, and staying at that level until December. Limited initial supply, a very recognisable design and an innovative user experience should all contribute to a short-term resale premium; resale prices 50 to 100% above the official price cannot be ruled out,” Ming Chi Kuo writes. And that official price is expected to be steep already.
A trickier situation than the iPhone X
The analyst, who is known for information on upcoming iPhones, points out that in 2017 Apple managed to stabilise iPhone X supply within 2017. However, he cautions that the foldable iPhone will be a more complex case.
Apple would reportedly plan to produce only 7 to 8 million units for the first half of 2026, due to high costs and the manufacturing challenges involved in building a foldable iPhone. And just 10% of the planned output would be made in the third quarter.
What we think
Even so, Apple arriving in this market should inject fresh energy and intensify competition (and perhaps boost demand for this type of device). Samsung has already begun teasing the future rival to this foldable iPhone.
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