Apple’s Foldable iPhone Enters Testing Phase — And We’re Intrigued

According to the rumors, Apple is planning to toss its hat into the foldables ring in 2026 with the launch of its first foldable iPhone. However, we know Apple’s plans could change at the last minute. But this time, it could be different. According to a report from DigiTimes, the foldable iPhone has entered the prototype testing stage.

Foldable iPhone now in testing

Remember that a prototype testing phase does not mean the foldable iPhone is in production. This means that Apple has a functional prototype of the device it plans to sell eventually. The report claims that the testing phase is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

If all goes well, the foldable iPhone will then enter the Engineering Verification Test phase. This is where Apple puts the device through multiple tests until it is considered good enough. This is still far from the actual model Apple will sell to consumers, but we’re getting closer. It is unclear how long the next phase will take, but if Apple plans to announce the phone alongside the iPhone 18 series, it will have several months to get it up to scratch.

We have to admit that we are curious to see Apple’s take on foldables. The company has famously avoided that particular market segment ever since Samsung introduced the first foldable phone. However, perhaps Apple didn’t expect the form factor to last as long as it did. Also, given the notorious “Apple tax,” we dread to think how much it could cost.

Apple’s 2026 lineup

In addition to the iPhone Fold, Apple will most likely announce the iPhone 18 series in 2026. Assuming the iPhone 17 Air does well this year, Apple could introduce an iPhone 18 Air as well.

However, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple could split up its phone launches to twice yearly. The company usually has one major launch yearly, but the analyst suggests that Apple could split up the launch between its “cheaper” models and the Pro series. It is safe to assume that the foldable iPhone will be announced alongside the Pro models.

Apple was also rumored to be working on a foldable iPad. However, the latest rumors suggest that those plans have been put on hold.