Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be one of the company’s toughest products to buy at launch. A new report suggests demand will likely outstrip supply, with production ramping up more slowly than usual because of the device’s complex design.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to produce between 500,000 and one million foldable iPhones during the first phase of production after the device launches in the second half of 2026. That’s a relatively small number for an iPhone launch that could leave early buyers facing long waits.
The slow start reportedly comes down to manufacturing. Kuo believes Apple’s folding design presents enough engineering challenges to limit production initially. In fact, this happened much like the iPhone X did when it introduced an edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID and the notch back in 2017.
Production can accelerate once manufacturing settles. Apple could ship between seven and eight million units by the end of 2026. Nevertheless, that would still make the foldable iPhone one of the company’s more limited releases.
Despite an expected price tag of up to $2,500, Kuo claims demand remains strong. Based on conversations with carriers, retailers and distribution partners, he believes pre-orders could sell out quickly. In addition, delivery estimates could stretch to six weeks or longer through the end of the year. Limited supply, a distinctive design and the novelty of Apple’s first foldable can also drive resale prices higher in the early months.
Apple hasn’t officially announced a foldable iPhone, but recent software has fuelled speculation that one is getting closer. The latest iOS 27 beta reportedly includes references to terms such as “foldState” and “angleDegrees,” as well as variables related to multiple built-in displays. All of these could point to support for a folding device.
Moreover, Apple’s first foldable could feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen, making it slightly smaller than an iPad mini when unfolded. It’s also likely to use a flexible OLED panel with a reinforced metal support layer to reduce screen stress and minimise the visible crease.
As always, these details should be treated with caution until Apple makes anything official. But if Kuo’s latest report is accurate, getting hold of Apple’s first foldable iPhone may prove just as difficult as paying for it.
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