Foldable iPhone set to begin production in late 2025

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Foxconn will begin assembling Apple's foldable iPhone by late Q3 or early Q4 of this year, with Samsung Display producing 7-8 million foldable panels for a planned 2026 release. Apple has reportedly placed orders for 15-20 million foldable iPhones, which Kuo believes represents demand over a 2-3 year lifecycle, suggesting several million units shipped annually in 2027 and 2028, likely due to premium pricing; however, component specifications, including the hinge, are not yet finalized, and launch plans remain subject to change.

Analysis

Apple is reportedly advancing its foldable iPhone project, with supplier Foxconn anticipated to commence assembly in late Q3 or early Q4 of this year for initial production units, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Samsung Display is preparing to manufacture 7-8 million foldable panels for the device, which is slated for a public release sometime in 2026, with mass production expected in the second half of that year. While market rumors indicate Apple has placed orders for 15-20 million units, Kuo suggests this volume likely represents cumulative demand over a 2-3 year product lifecycle, implying annual shipments of several million units in 2027 and 2028, reflective of an anticipated premium pricing strategy possibly exceeding $2,000. However, significant uncertainties persist, as many component specifications, notably the critical hinge mechanism, are yet to be finalized, and all launch plans are subject to change, contributing to a "mixed" overall sentiment and "speculative" tone for this news. This cautious outlook is set against Apple's recent challenges in gaining traction with new product categories like Vision Pro and services like Apple Intelligence, underscoring the current timeline's provisional nature, despite a slightly positive sentiment specific to Apple (AAPL sentiment: 0.2). The projected initial order volume for the foldable iPhone is notably smaller than flagship iPhone launches, such as the estimated 37 million iPhone 16 units sold in its first pre-sales weekend, highlighting its niche, high-end positioning rather than immediate mass-market scale.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should view the foldable iPhone as a potential long-term growth catalyst targeting a premium niche, rather than an immediate volume driver comparable to existing iPhone lines.
• Monitor updates on the finalization of key components, particularly the hinge, and official launch timelines, as these remain significant variables and potential risk factors for the 2026 target.
• Consider the foldable's potential to enhance Apple's innovation narrative and margins, but temper expectations for near-term revenue impact given the projected multi-year sales figures and the speculative nature of current information.