A foldable iPhone might come out in 2027, or it could be delayed indefinitely

Foldable iPhone Release Delayed to 2027, Challenges with Foldable Displays Cited

A report from Korea suggests that Apple’s plans to release its first foldable iPhone have been pushed back to 2027. The delay is reportedly due to technical glitches being faced by the company.

Alpha Biz (via DigiTimes) reports says Apple has shifted the release date of the foldable iPhone from late 2026 to early 2027. The adjustment comes as Apple faces challenges in obtaining parts, particularly foldable displays, that meet its stringent quality requirements.

Apple is working on creating two foldable smartphones, but they are still in the early stages of development. The information states that these iPhone prototypes fold in width like a clamshell. Recently, Samsung Securities reported that Apple’s initial foldable iPhone is expected to have a 6-inch external display and an 8-inch main display.

Recently, a report from the Korean outlet The Elec suggested that Apple is considering releasing a smaller device, possibly in the 7 to 8-inch range. The device could potentially serve as a replacement for the existing 8.3-inch iPad Mini.

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Although there is talk about this, analysts are becoming more skeptical about whether Apple will abandon its foldable phones soon. The company is concerned that existing foldable technology is not advanced enough to bring to life the cutting-edge applications its engineers and designers are envisioning.

Only last month, a rumor came from China that Apple has stopped its work on foldable iPhones. The reason? Apparently, their suppliers’ displays did not meet Apple’s high testing standards. Interestingly, it has been reported that Apple has been investigating foldable phones from other companies since 2016 as part of its research into creating its own foldable devices.

According to a report, Samsung’s latest folding panels failed to function well during Apple’s rigorous internal testing. Reportedly, they malfunctioned within a few days, forcing Apple to halt the entire project for the time being.

It appears that the company is having trouble getting rid of the line that appears down the middle of the screen when it is folded multiple times. They’re also figuring out how to create a hinge design that keeps the screen completely flat without any bulges or dips in the middle. Apple is also considering the idea of using materials like silicone or acrylate to fill the panels, which could help reduce problems reflecting light off the screen.