Apple has reassigned engineers who previously worked on Vision Pro to now instead work on a foldable iPhone, with some analysts believing the company’s first foldable device could be delayed or even scrapped entirely.
According to the Korean publication Alpha Biz (via DigiTimes), while a foldable iPhone was originally slated for the fourth quarter of 2026, the debut has been pushed back to early 2027. This postponement is attributed mainly to difficulties securing components, particularly foldable displays, that meet Apple’s specifications.
Over the years, foldable devices have seen a sharp increase in popularity, spearheaded by advances made by Samsung and Huawei. Last year, sales of foldable smartphones increased by 25% compared to 2022, reaching 15.9 million units according to research firm TrendForce. The firm expects shipments to grow to over 17 million in 2024.
Even with the surge in popularity, foldable display technology is yet to reach ideal levels, with key issues including the presence of a visible crease and the durability of the hinge mechanism. Additionally, reports suggest Apple is seeking ultra-thin displays with minimal light reflection, which might be challenging to achieve with existing technology.
Apple is reportedly prototyping multiple different foldable devices, including two clamshell-style iPhones featuring a 6-inch external display and an 8-inch main display. Earlier this month, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the only foldable product from Apple with a clear development schedule is a foldable MacBook with a massive 20.3-inch display. That device is said to enter mass production in 2027.
