Apple’s first foldable smartphone is looming large: The rumor mill recently said that test production at Foxconn had already begun. A current report also draws attention to the special adhesive layer, which is intended to largely prevent a visible kink in the display (see here). Cupertino has also made an exclusive agreement with Samsung: over the next three years, only the Korean company will be eligible to purchase the panel. However, industry experts disagree about the release date. DigiTimes now comments on this question: There are actually delays, but they are not as serious as some assumed. Mass production postponed by two months?
So far, the leakers are very divided about when Apple will release the iPhone Fold/Ultra. Setsuna Digital sees no problems on the horizon and sees the test production that has started as a positive sign. According to Nikkei Asia, Cupertino encountered more difficulties than expected – a release next year would even be conceivable. DigiTimes confirms assumptions that assume a delay: the plans for production have been pushed back by “around one to two months”. The group still seems to be optimistic: it has not yet informed suppliers about a delayed market launch. Mass production will only take place in August and not in June, as initially planned.
Apple is sticking to its market launch this year
DigiTimes rejects assessments that assume the product will be launched on the market in spring 2027: The company still wants the device to appear in stores this year – and in sufficient quantities: Buyers who do not buy the iPhone Ultra/Fold and perhaps opt for the iPhone 18 Pro (Max) instead are certainly not in the company’s interest. The foldable iPhone will cost between $2,000 and $2,500 and will bring Apple a generous margin.
