Rumors about Apple working on a foldable iPhone have been around since 2019. Back then, the US Patent and Trademark Office even granted them a patent describing a flexible display and protective layer design for iPhones or other devices. Optimists thought Apple might launch a foldable iPhone as early as late 2020 or early 2021.

But in reality? It’s been dragging on for six or seven years. Throughout that time, rumors of an imminent foldable iPhone kept popping up, but there was never a reliable launch timeline.

In late 2020, Apple did get a bit more serious—they sent foldable components to Foxconn for testing, including over 100,000 folds in durability tests, and it passed assembly inspections. Sounds promising, right? But there were plenty of technical headaches, like hinge durability and screen creases—classic problems in this category—so progress crawled at a snail’s pace.

In 2021, Apple also tried two form factors: one similar to Microsoft’s Surface Duo with dual screens joined by a hinge, and another like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip with a vertical clamshell fold. But neither made it to mass production. Meanwhile, patent filings kept coming—dual-spiral hinges, carbon-fiber supports, ultra-thin glass (UTG), and even screen optimization in partnership with Samsung. Lots of action, but nothing actually shipped.

It wasn’t until June 2025 that we finally got something close to solid news. Tech outlet The Information reported Apple’s internal plan to release its first foldable iPhone in fall 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series and a rumored “Air” series. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 would be “pushed aside” to spring 2027 to make room for the foldable model.

In other words, starting in 2026, Apple plans to break its long-standing release rhythm, shifting to a fall–spring cycle for iPhones. The goal is pretty clear: as the lineup gets more complex, they want to stagger launches for foldable and traditional iPhones. This would optimize the supply chain and help them market different models to different user segments.

Internally referred to as “Vitamin,” Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a horizontally folding design, similar to a book. When fully opened, the screen is expected to measure close to 8 inches, while folding it down would reduce it to about 5.7 inches. Because of the device’s structural layout, Apple is reportedly planning to replace Face ID with a fingerprint scanner built into the side button.

The pricing is firmly in the premium bracket—expected to start between $2100 and $2300. Apple clearly isn’t aiming for a “flood the market” strategy here, but wants to target high-end business users precisely.

Still, plenty of details remain undecided. The hinge design and bearing specifications, for example, haven’t been finalized. The only thing confirmed so far is that Samsung will supply the foldable displays.

But here’s the problem—even if Apple finally jumps in after all these years, the market has changed. IDC surveys show 76% of people think foldables “aren’t novel anymore,” and 62% don’t plan to buy one due to durability concerns. The resale market is just as honest: foldable phones typically depreciate 20–30% faster than similarly priced slab-style flagships.

In short, consumer excitement has clearly cooled. There have even been supply-chain leaks saying Apple pushed its planned 2025 production back to 2026 to address the screen crease issue. But by then, Samsung is expected to be pushing rollable displays, and Huawei’s tri-fold phones will have been on sale for months.

So while Apple really is finally getting ready to show its hand, winning back the initiative won’t be easy. Apple has long relied on its “fast follower” strategy—catching up and then overtaking rivals, like it did moving from Touch ID to full-screen designs. But that playbook seems less effective for foldables. Consumers already have plenty of choices, and suppliers no longer revolve around Apple alone. Plus, Apple’s ecosystem limitations could mean its foldable experience lacks a true “killer feature,” and it might end up like the Apple Watch Ultra: launched with fanfare but ultimately selling modestly.

In summary, Apple’s foldable iPhone isn’t canceled—it’s really on the way. But it’s coming late, it’ll be expensive, and it faces serious challenges. The real question now is whether Apple can turn this “Vitamin” into the next industry benchmark, or if it will end up as an expensive niche toy with limited appeal.