The launch of Apple’s foldable iPhone is said to be delayed until the first quarter of 2027

Apple is believed to be working on its lineup of foldable devices. While the Cupertino, California-based company hasn’t revealed its plans for foldable devices, recent reports and patent filings suggest the company is working on a foldable iPhone, iPad, and a large-display device said to be a MacBook. Earlier this month, a report claimed that the foldable iPhone could debut in 2026. Now, a new report suggests that Apple has pushed back the launch of its first foldable phone to early 2027.

Korean outlet AlphaBiz, which previously claimed the foldable iPhone would likely launch in late 2026, said in a new report that the device will be launched in the first quarter of 2027. Citing an official familiar with Apple’s internal plans, the report said that Apple has delayed its plans for a foldable phone due to supply and demand reasons.

“I understand that Apple plans to start selling a foldable iPhone a little later than expected, after making full preparations on all issues, including the demand and supply of foldable displays,” the official said. Previously reported to be slated for the fourth quarter of 2026, Apple’s foldable phone is now said to be pushed back to the first quarter of 2027.

However, the report mentions that the selection of suppliers for components, such as foldable displays, for the device is expected to continue as originally planned.

Earlier this month, the same publication said, citing a senior Apple official, that the foldable iPhone would be launched in 2026. “Because it’s a later version than its competitors, we know that cutting-edge technologies will be concentrated.” , an official was quoted as saying at the time.

The employee claims that the foldable iPhone will be thinner and lighter than the competition, with a special focus on preventing crease marks on the foldable screen. Apple has reportedly filed for a patent on technology that minimizes wrinkles and creases along the fold axis of the display.

Apple has yet to reveal its plans for a foldable device, although the company is lagging behind rivals Samsung and Google in the product category. Samsung has released five generations of clamshell and book folding phones, while Google launched the Pixel Fold last year and is reportedly working on a second generation of folding Pixel phones.

Fluctuating and conflicting reports surrounding Apple’s foldable products have further added to the uncertainty surrounding Apple’s plans for the segment. The company is widely reported to be working on a foldable iPad. Earlier this month, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple’s first foldable MacBook will be a 20.3-inch MacBook that will likely go into mass production in 2027.

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