Analysts say that Apple may abandon the foldable iPhone.
With the foldable smartphone market getting increasingly more competitive, the attention is now on when Apple's foldable iPhone will launch. The latest news suggests that the schedule could be delayed to early 2027.
According to Korea's Alpha Biz, Apple higher-ups said after considering the preparation for various items, including foldable display supply, the launch of the foldable iPhone was adjusted from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027. Despite the delay, major component manufacturers such as display suppliers are expected to proceed according to the original schedule.
There has been much speculation about the foldable iPhone. Some analysts say that Apple may abandon the foldable iPhone project due to panel technology not being mature enough.
Recent reports noted that Apple has undergone an internal personnel adjustment. Staff who previously worked on the Vision Pro were allegedly sent to work on foldable devices instead.
Reportedly, Apple is in the early stages of developing two top-down flip smartphones. South Korea's Samsung Securities predicted that the foldable iPhone will feature a 6-inch external display and an 8-inch main display and that there is still a possibility of launching a left-right fold product.
It is rumored that Apple is currently discussing supply orders with LG Display (LGD) and Samsung Display (SDC). Apple has high requirements for panel specifications, including a thickness that's half of the current iPhones' and a folding crease that can hopefully be completely smooth.
Apple is also actively applying for patents related to foldable displays, such as embedded flexible panels within the phone to minimize fold axis creases. Additionally, the company plans to fill displays with polymer materials such as silicone or acrylate to reduce light reflection issues effectively.
