Foldable iPhone slips to 2027 as Apple reshapes iPhone 18 lineup

Mizuho Securities, cited by Korea’s The Elec, now expects Apple’s first foldable iPhone—previously tipped for 2026—to slip to 2027. The revised timeline is tied to further work on the hinge design and display architecture, which would keep Apple from reaching mass production by the third quarter of 2026 and unveiling the device alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. The cautious pacing reads as Apple’s bid to prioritize reliability over speed.

Analysts also trimmed their panel forecast for the foldable iPhone from 13 million to 9 million units. Even with a 2026 debut, shipments could land in the 5–7 million range. All panels are set to come from Samsung Display—the same supplier behind Galaxy Z Fold 7 screens. The report points to a 7.58-inch inner screen and a 5.38-inch cover display with CoE technology, a hole-punch for the camera, and LTPO-TFT for improved power efficiency, signaling a clear focus on performance and battery life.

Mizuho further projects a shake-up to Apple’s iPhone launch cadence. In 2026, the company may split releases: fall could bring the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, Air, and Fold, while spring 2027 would see the baseline iPhone 18 and the budget-friendly iPhone 18e. Shipments for 2026 are estimated at 229 million units—about 7% below the prior year—followed by a rebound to 252 million in 2027, potentially surpassing the 2015 record. Staggering the lineup would keep the spotlight on premium models while smoothing out demand.

Beyond smartphones, Apple is said to be preparing a foldable MacBook featuring an 18.9-inch flexible panel. Its debut is not expected before 2028–2029, as the company first evaluates how the market responds to a foldable iPhone—an order of operations that underscores a measured, step-by-step strategy.