Apple says it will delay launch of foldable iPhone until early 2027

Apple is believed to be developing its line of foldable devices. While the Cupertino, California-based company has yet to reveal its plans for foldable devices, recent reports and patent filings suggest it is developing foldable iPhones, iPads, and large-display devices that are said to be MacBook). Earlier this month, a report claimed that a foldable iPhone could debut in 2026. Now, a new report suggests that Apple has delayed the release of its first foldable phone to early 2027.

South Korean media AlphaBiz said in a new report that the company had previously claimed that the foldable iPhone could be released by the end of 2026. Report The device will be launched in the first quarter of 2027. The report quoted an official familiar with Apple’s internal plans as saying that Apple has delayed plans for a foldable phone due to supply and demand reasons.

The official said: “As far as I know, after being fully prepared for all matters, including the supply and demand of foldable displays, Apple plans to start selling foldable iPhones later than expected.” There were previous reports that this foldable iPhone The foldable Apple phone was expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2026, but is now said to be delayed to the first quarter of 2027.

However, the report mentioned that supplier selection for the device’s components, such as the foldable display, is expected to proceed as originally planned.

Earlier this month, the publication cited senior Apple officials as saying that a foldable iPhone would launch in 2026. “Because it was released later than competitors, we knew cutting-edge technology would be concentrated”. officials were quoted as saying at the time.

Officials have claimed that the foldable iPhone will be thinner and lighter than its competitors, with special emphasis on preventing creases on the foldable screen. Apple has reportedly applied for a patent for a technology that could minimize wrinkles and creases along the folding axis of the display.

Apple has yet to reveal its plans for foldable devices, even though the company lags behind rivals Samsung and Google in the product category. Samsung has released five generations of clamshell and book-style foldable phones, while Google launched the Pixel Fold last year and is reportedly developing a second-generation Pixel foldable phone.

Changing and conflicting reports about Apple’s foldable products have further amplified uncertainty about its plans in the area. It has been widely reported that the company is developing a foldable iPad. Earlier this month, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that Apple’s first foldable device will be a 20.3-inch MacBook, which is likely to enter mass production in 2027.

Last month, a tipster claimed on Chinese social media site Weibo that Apple had halted development of the foldable iPhone due to issues with the folding display.