Apple starts testing foldable iPhone prototypes ahead of launch in 2026

Apple starts testing foldable iPhone prototypes ahead of launch in 2026

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 2, 2025

A foldable iPhone has reportedly entered prototype testing, with Apple planning to launch it alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in the fall of 2026.

Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes reports that Apple began the first phase of prototype testing (P1) in June, citing supply chain sources. These limited trial runs comprise three phases (P1, P2, P3), with each lasting about two months.

During the prototyping stage, suppliers build prototypes to test manufacturing processes. Provided the yields are satisfactory, Apple will then task its contract manufacturers Foxconn and Pegatron with producing a foldable iPhone in volume.

Apple starts testing foldable iPhone prototypes

The device will spend much of the rest of the year in these prototyping stages (P1, P2 and P3) before moving to the Engineering Verification Test (EVT) stage at the end of 2025. That stage is followed by the Design Verification Test (DVT) phase and the final stage, called Production Phase (MP).

The rumored device should one-up existing foldable phones with a nearly invisible display crease because Apple has managed to come up with a sophisticated hinge mechanism that’s fortified to last longer; hinge and screen repairs on foldable phones can get really expensive.

A foldable iPhone is expected to open like a book instead of adopting a clamshell-style design of your 2000s-era flip-style phone. Apple is expected to release the device in 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in the fall. The device won’t be for everyone, however, a foldable iPhone will allegedly not only be pricier than the flagship iPhone Pro Max but also than rival offerings like Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which starts at $1900 for the 256-gigabyte version.

A foldable iPad is paused

On the other hand, a foldable iPad is currently on hold, according to DigiTimes. The publication claims that Apple planned to launch a foldable iPad around the same time as a foldable iPhone, but ran into various manufacturing and technological issues. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in 2024 that a foldable iPad “has no visibility,” suggesting that people are conflating a foldable iPad with a foldable MacBook.

Tags Apple DigiTimes iPhone Manufacturing Production Rumor Rumors
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