For years, Apple fans have watched Samsung, Huawei, and even Google experiment with foldable devices while wondering if Cupertino would ever step in. Now, according to Bloomberg, Apple is actively preparing the iPhone Fold for launch within the next two years. Supply chain whispers reported by Reuters and Nikkei Asia suggest that Apple is finalizing hinge durability and advanced OLED panel production for a device that could change the smartphone market.
Unlike rumors that tend to fizzle out, this one has real weight. Analysts cited by The Verge claim Apple has secured contracts with OLED suppliers, including Samsung Display and LG Display. MacRumors has tracked Apple patents filed since 2016, and Business Insider confirms that prototypes are already undergoing durability testing. Some insiders even hint that a teaser could arrive alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, which lines up with predictions from TechCrunch.
What Will the iPhone Fold Look Like
The biggest question remains design. Will it flip like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, fold like the Google Pixel Fold, or move in a completely new direction?
Patents revealed by Patently Apple show dual hinges, flexible OLED glass, and even self-healing screen coatings. 9to5Mac has also pointed out that Apple’s experiments go beyond just folding, suggesting seamless multitasking and iPad-like functionality. Digital Trends speculates that Apple may avoid fragile plastic layers that plagued Samsung’s early designs.
YouTube reviewer Mrwhosetheboss recently noted that if Apple can polish the experience and integrate foldable software smoothly with iOS, the iPhone Fold could instantly dominate. He compared it to how Apple entered wireless earbuds late with AirPods but still made them a global phenomenon. Tech reviewers at The Verge and Tom’s Guide echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how Apple tends to perfect categories rather than invent them.
Price and Release Timeline
The elephant in the room is price. According to Forbes, the iPhone Fold could start north of $1,500, potentially even higher depending on Apple’s supply chain costs. The Wall Street Journal has reported that hinge mechanics are the most expensive element of foldables, and Apple is working with Foxconn to refine the process.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known analyst often cited by Apple Insider, believes the device will not launch before 2026, though smaller production runs may appear earlier. Macworld agrees that Apple will not release a foldable until mass demand is clear. Meanwhile, Gizmodo suggests Apple might even use a limited regional launch, testing consumer appetite before going global.
How People Are Reacting
The tech community remains divided. Discussions on Reddit highlight both excitement and skepticism, with some users cheering for the innovation while others fear durability nightmares. CNBC quoted analyst Carolina Milanesi, who believes Apple’s brand power alone could move foldables into the mainstream.
TechRadar reports that Samsung’s six generations of foldables give Apple both a playbook and a challenge. Engadget described Apple’s late arrival as a potential turning point for the foldable market. Popular reviewer Marques Brownlee added in a past video that if Apple delivers a foldable iPhone, it could be the first foldable to win genuine consumer trust.
The Bigger Picture
Foldables are still polarizing. Critics argue they are fragile and overpriced, while supporters see them as the natural step beyond slabs of glass. CNET suggests Apple’s entry could shift public perception the same way AirPods turned wireless earbuds into must-haves. The Guardian also points out that Apple’s ecosystem integration may be the killer feature, something competitors still struggle with.
If Apple executes well, the iPhone Fold could become the device that validates the entire foldable category. As the Financial Times puts it, Apple has a history of arriving late yet leaving the strongest mark.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone Fold is no longer an abstract rumor. With patents, supplier leaks, and analyst reports stacking up, Apple’s foldable is inching closer to reality. While pricing, design, and durability remain uncertain, the conversation around it is growing louder across Bloomberg, The Verge, Engadget, and social platforms like Reddit.
The question is not whether Apple can build a foldable. It is whether Apple can convince millions of people that they need one. If history is any guide, the answer may arrive sooner than expected.
