Apple’s Foldable iPhone Faces Another Delay — Now Expected in 2027

The dream of a foldable iPhone isn’t dead, but it’s moving slower than anyone expected. Fresh reports from Asia hint that Apple’s first folding phone won’t show up until 2027, a year later than its previous target.

According to a note from Mizuho Securities in Japan, shared through The Elec, Apple is still fine-tuning two of the trickiest parts — the hinge and the flexible screen. Both have to survive thousands of folds without creaks, gaps, or weird creases. Engineers have been testing samples for months, but Apple apparently isn’t happy with the results yet.

The company once aimed to start production in late 2026, alongside the iPhone 18, but that window now looks out of reach. If plans don’t shift again, the foldable might land in spring 2027, possibly next to the rumored iPhone 18e.

Mizuho also cut its display shipment forecast. The earlier estimate of 13 million panels has been reduced to around 9 million, with early batches likely closer to 5–7 million units. Total production could still hit 10–15 million, depending on costs and reliability.

As for the hardware, leaks describe a 7.8-inch inner LTPO screen with Color-filter-on-Encapsulation (CoE) tech for slimmer layers and better brightness, plus a 5.5-inch outer display for quick use. Samsung Display remains Apple’s exclusive OLED supplier.

And yes — the price will sting. Most analysts expect something north of $2,000, comfortably above the Galaxy Z Fold series.

Apple’s slow and cautious approach isn’t new. It did the same with smartwatches and wireless earbuds — joining late, but with a product that feels finished. The foldable market might be crowded by the time Apple arrives, yet the company seems fine waiting until it can deliver one that feels like an iPhone, not just another tech demo.

Whether that patience pays off or simply leaves more room for Samsung, Honor, and Huawei to grow — that’s still anyone’s guess.