Apple’s foldable iPhone has entered the Prototype 1 (P1) testing phase in June 2025, marking a significant step toward a 2026 launch. The device, expected to feature a crease-free display and a durable hinge, aims to redefine foldable smartphones. Development will progress through multiple testing stages, with mass production planned alongside the iPhone 18 series.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone: Prototype Testing Begins for 2026 Debut
Apple has taken a significant leap toward entering the foldable smartphone market, with its much-anticipated foldable iPhone now in the Prototype 1 (P1) testing phase, which began in June 2025, according to supply chain sources cited by DigiTimes. This development signals that the Cupertino-based tech giant is on track to potentially launch the device in the second half of 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 series.
The foldable iPhone, colloquially dubbed the “iPhone Fold,” is currently undergoing a rigorous three-stage prototyping process (P1 to P3), with each phase lasting approximately two months. During these stages, Apple’s supply chain partners, including major assemblers Foxconn and Pegatron, conduct limited trial runs to test manufacturing processes and ensure production feasibility. If the prototype testing concludes successfully by the end of 2025, the device will advance to the Engineering Verification Test (EVT) phase, followed by Design Verification Test (DVT) and eventual mass production.
Unlike its competitors, such as Samsung and Huawei, which have been in the foldable market since 2019, Apple is adopting its signature “best, not first” approach. The company is reportedly focusing on addressing common pain points in foldable devices, particularly the visible screen crease that plagues many current models. Rumors suggest Apple has developed a proprietary hinge system, possibly using liquid metal, to ensure durability and a near crease-free display. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a book-style design with a 7.6 to 7.8-inch inner display for a tablet-like experience when unfolded and a 5.4 to 5.6-inch outer display when closed.
Speculations also point to a titanium alloy chassis for added durability and dual 48MP rear cameras, positioning the device as a premium offering. However, one notable design choice could be the omission of Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID, likely due to the complexities of integrating facial recognition into a foldable structure. The device’s estimated price tag of around $2,300 (approximately ₹1,97,000) reflects its high-end positioning, though Apple has not officially confirmed these details.
Apple’s supply chain is reportedly gearing up for significant production, with initial estimates suggesting a shipment of around 7 million units, depending on market demand. The company has placed substantial orders for flexible OLED displays and hinge components, indicating confidence in the project’s progress. However, Apple has paused development on a foldable iPad, citing manufacturing challenges, high production costs, and limited consumer demand for larger foldable devices.
The foldable iPhone’s development timeline aligns with Apple’s typical product cycle, with the P1 to P3 stages occurring roughly a year before mass production. If all goes according to plan, the device could debut in September 2026, potentially redefining the foldable smartphone market. Industry insiders note that Apple’s entry will intensify competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and other foldable offerings from Google, Huawei, and Vivo.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple might shift to a biannual launch strategy, with the foldable iPhone possibly announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. While the exact specifications and launch date remain unconfirmed, the foldable iPhone’s progression to the prototype stage marks a pivotal moment in Apple’s innovation journey, promising a device that could set new standards for foldable technology.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports and leaks from supply chain sources and industry publications like DigiTimes. Information regarding Apple’s foldable iPhone is speculative and subject to change, as Apple has not officially confirmed the details. Readers are advised to approach unverified information with caution.