Apple’s much-anticipated foldable iPhone could be in short supply into 2027, despite Apple’s planning to launch it next year, according to well-connected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo’s comments come in a new research note:
“Development of the foldable iPhone is behind earlier expectations, but the product is still expected to [sic] announce in 2H26. Due to early-stage yield and ramp-up challenges, smooth shipments may not occur until 2027. With limited supply and expected strong demand, the foldable iPhone could be facing shortages until at least the end of 2026.”
Kuo’s comments indicate Apple will face some manufacturing hurdles when the new foldable enters mass production. While Foxconn is reportedly aiming to begin limited production of the “iPhone Fold” before the end of this year, a lack of any news on that front could be an indicator of problems in the validation stage, where manufacturing consistency issues can raise their ugly heads.
In October, Japanese investment banking and securities firm Mizuho Securities said the debut of the iPhone Fold could be delayed until 2027, suggesting that Apple could be taking longer to finalize key design elements, including the device’s all-important hinge.
The firm also said that expected production of display panels for the foldable iPhone have decreased from 13 million to nine million units, and that while a 2026 launch is still a possibility, device production during the first year of availability could lag behind panel production by as much as five to seven million units.
