Foldable iPhone Supply Expected to Remain Tight Until 2027
Renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released information that may leave Apple fans anxious. He predicts that the long-awaited first foldable iPhone could suffer from severe supply shortages lasting through 2027, even though Apple currently intends to unveil the device in late 2026.
According to the latest reports, the development process for the foldable iPhone is lagging behind initial expectations. While a launch in the second half of 2026 is still on the table, the inherent difficulties of early-stage manufacturing and the challenge of scaling up production mean that widespread availability might not stabilize until 2027.
Evidence of these delays is mounting as Foxconn has yet to report any progress on limited production runs. Analysts suggest the device remains stuck in the design validation phase, where Apple is meticulously checking durability and ensuring every unit meets its exacting standards for quality.
Design Challenges and Manufacturing Hurdles
This outlook aligns with concerns from Mizuho Securities, which previously warned that unresolved design elements, such as the complex hinge mechanism, could push the official release date entirely into 2027. However, Kuo believes Apple will push as hard as possible to meet its original 2026 timeline, though early adopters should expect extremely limited stock.
Leaked specifications suggest the foldable iPhone will adopt a “notebook” style design. It is expected to feature an outer display measuring roughly 5.3 to 5.5 inches, unfolding to reveal a massive 7.8 inch internal screen. To solve the industry’s biggest pain point, Apple is reportedly utilizing Liquid Metal hinges to create a virtually crease-free display—a difficult engineering feat that is contributing to the production slowdown.
Premium Pricing for a Premium Device
Prospective buyers should start saving now, as the price tag is expected to be as revolutionary as the technology. Estimates place the starting price between $2,000 and $2,500. This would make it the most expensive iPhone ever produced, signaling Apple’s intent to compete directly with Samsung at the top of the premium foldable market.
Apple is clearly playing the long game here by refusing to ship anything less than a “creaseless” masterpiece, even if it means missing out on early sales volume. While the $2,400 price tag is eye-watering, the combination of a Liquid Metal hinge and a 7.8 inch screen effectively positions this as an iPhone and iPad Mini replacement in one pocketable device. If you want to be the first to flip the script on your mobile experience, you better be ready to fight the bots and the shortages for the better part of a year.
Origin: Macrumors
