Apple’s foray into the foldable smartphone market has long been the subject of rumors and speculation, but a fresh wave of reports from respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the company is serious about delivering a “premium” priced folding iPhone as soon as next year.

Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities is widely followed for his insights into Apple’s supply chain and product roadmap. Over the years, his predictions about iPhone features, display suppliers, and production timelines have often proven accurate, earning him a reputation for reliability in the tech community. When Kuo speaks about Apple’s next moves, many listen closely—and his recent comments about a foldable iPhone have reignited discussions around Apple’s approach to the trend pioneered by rivals.

According to Kuo, Apple is targeting a production kickoff between the third and fourth quarter of 2025 for initial development and prototyping, with mass production planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. That suggests a potential launch window in late 2026 or early 2027. Early units may be limited in volume—Kuo expects perhaps 3–5 million units in the first year—before ramping up to a second-generation model by the second half of 2027, which could push total shipments closer to 20 million units by that point.

This timeline aligns with Apple’s typically meticulous product-development cycle: finalizing specifications in mid-2025, tooling and engineering through late 2025 and 2026, and a launch event at the end of 2026 or early 2027. Of course, Apple’s plans are never set in stone—Kuo himself notes that details remain subject to change, and Apple’s internal decisions could shift if engineering hurdles or market dynamics demand it.

At the heart of any foldable device is its display and hinge mechanism. Kuo reports that Apple has placed orders with Samsung Display for roughly 7–8 million foldable panels for next year, indicating both confidence in supply and an expectation of meaningful demand. The inner display is rumored to span approximately 7.8 inches when unfolded, with a 5.5-inch exterior screen—dimensions similar to a compact tablet inside and a traditional smartphone outside.

Durability is a prime concern: foldable screens often exhibit creases at the fold line, and hinges can wear over time. Apple is reportedly exploring advanced hinge materials and designs—possibly leveraging titanium and stainless steel alloys, plus novel approaches such as liquid metal components—to minimize creasing and bolster longevity. Early rumors indicate that suppliers like Bright Laser Technologies could play a key role in producing hinge covers and midframes crafted from titanium alloy, suggesting Apple’s insistence on premium materials and tight tolerances.

With limited internal space in a foldable form factor, Apple may forgo Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. This would save space previously reserved for the Face ID TrueDepth module while still offering secure biometric authentication—a choice Kuo has outlined and multiple outlets have reported. Other hardware elements likely include dual-lens rear cameras, a single front-facing camera usable in both folded and unfolded states, and high-density battery cells to maintain acceptable battery life despite the slim profile. Rumored thicknesses hover around 9–9.5 mm when folded and 4.5–4.8 mm when unfolded, illustrating Apple’s goal of a pocketable yet tablet-like device when opened.

Unsurprisingly, Apple is positioning its first foldable iPhone at the top end of the premium market. Kuo predicts a price north of $2,000, possibly in the $2,000–$2,500 range. That would make it one of Apple’s priciest devices ever. For perspective, current flagship iPhones and MacBook models rarely exceed $2,000, so a foldable iPhone in this bracket signals Apple targeting enthusiasts and brand loyalists willing to pay for cutting-edge design and status.

Apple’s confidence likely stems from its history of selling high-margin devices and cultivating a loyal user base that views its flagship products as status symbols. However, the company must deliver on build quality and user experience to justify such a premium. If early reviews highlight durability issues or software quirks, demand could be tempered despite the novelty factor.

iPhone revenue, while still substantial—roughly $201 billion in fiscal 2024—has peaked and faces headwinds in saturated markets and geopolitical pressures. Launching a foldable iPhone provides Apple with a fresh angle to stimulate upgrades among existing customers and entice those seeking the latest form factors. Competitors like Samsung and Huawei have offered foldables since 2019, but their market penetration remains niche: foldables account for a small fraction of total smartphone shipments, constrained by high prices and early-generation hardware compromises (creases, hinge wear, battery life). Apple’s entry could reshape consumer perceptions if it manages to present a more polished, reliable product backed by seamless integration with iOS and Apple’s ecosystem.

Moreover, Apple may use the larger, foldable display as a showcase for advanced “Apple Intelligence” features—AI-driven multitasking, context-aware assistants, or enhanced productivity workflows that benefit from a tablet-like screen. Reports suggest Apple envisions this device as a “true AI-driven phone,” leveraging the extra screen real estate for richer interactions with on-device AI features when they arrive.

Nonetheless, Apple must weigh risks: high price limits addressable market; engineering challenges could delay or derail launch; software must fully optimize for folding UX without compromising app compatibility or performance. Historically, Apple has shelved ambitious projects when deemed unready (e.g., AirPower, certain AR/VR initiatives).

Foldable phones face persistent concerns: screen creases over time, hinge reliability after thousands of folds, vulnerability to dust infiltration, and higher repair costs. Apple’s reputation for quality raises expectations: consumers may be unforgiving if a $2,500 device shows visible creases or hinge squeaks after months of use. Apple will likely subject prototypes to rigorous testing, but real-world usage can reveal unforeseen issues.

Software also poses challenges. iOS must adapt to dynamic screen sizes and folding states, ensuring apps transition smoothly between cover and main displays without glitches. Apple’s ecosystem has strengths—App Store guidelines allow it to incentivize developers to optimize for foldable UX—but convincing third parties to invest resources in what might remain a niche device initially could be tricky.

Finally, consumer enthusiasm might wane after the novelty. Early adopters may rush to buy a stylish new gadget, but mass-market uptake depends on perceived utility beyond “neat factor.” Apple needs killer features—perhaps AI-driven multitasking or novel multitouch gestures—to make the foldable experience more than a gimmick.

Apple’s rumored panel orders from Samsung Display (7–8 million units) underscore the scale Apple believes it can achieve. Samsung Display has led foldable OLED technology, so partnering here helps Apple access mature manufacturing. Hinge components may involve specialists like Bright Laser Technologies and liquid metal suppliers such as Dongguan EonTec, as noted in various supply-chain reports. Apple’s close collaboration with suppliers and its capacity to demand high-quality, premium materials indicate it seeks to differentiate its foldable iPhone from earlier generations by rivals.

However, supply-chain complexity and yield issues for flexible OLED can impact costs and production volumes. Apple will need to negotiate favorable terms, manage inventory risk, and ensure consistent quality—a tall order but one Apple has navigated before with new display tech (e.g., OLED adoption on iPhone X).

As of mid-2025, Apple has not officially confirmed a foldable iPhone. Kuo’s commentary, while credible, remains a forecast until Apple issues invitations to a launch event or releases regulatory filings hinting at forthcoming hardware. Observers should look for Apple patent filings related to foldable mechanisms, supply-chain orders popping up in supplier financial reports, and potential leaks of prototype units or manufacturing molds. Apple’s own communications—statements at WWDC or during earnings calls—may hint at foldable progress through references to display innovations or “exciting” future form factors without naming specifics.