Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone may not arrive as soon as many fans expected. Fresh chatter from the supply chain points to a launch window shifting to early next year, rather than appearing alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in September.
That delay has drawn wide attention because the foldable device has been one of Apple’s most watched unreleased products for months. Many observers had expected it to be the surprise act at Apple’s September event.
Supply chain signals point to a later schedule
The clearest hint comes from Lin En-ping, CEO of Largan Precision, a camera lens supplier for iPhone, who spoke during a recent shareholder meeting. Lin said the fourth quarter would be busier than usual because of new-product scheduling by customers.
He also noted that some new products were expected to launch in the third quarter, while others were pushed to early next year. Industry watchers quickly linked that comment to the foldable iPhone, often referred to as iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra.
A September reveal is still possible
Even if sales or shipments move later, Apple may still use its biggest stage to show the device. The company could unveil it, or at least tease it, during September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
Apple has used that playbook before. The iPhone X was shown together with the iPhone 8 in September, but it did not reach stores until one or two months later.
If Apple follows a similar approach, the public could see the final design sooner, while market availability comes afterward.
Apple may split the iPhone launch into two waves
Analysts are also floating the idea that Apple is dividing its new iPhone releases into two phases. The first wave would focus on the premium models, while the second would cover the rest of the family.
Under that theory, September would center on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Early next year would then bring the standard iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, a new iPhone Air, and the iPhone Fold/Ultra.
That structure would give Apple more control over product attention. It would also allow the foldable model to arrive later without losing the spotlight of a major launch cycle.
Expectations remain high despite the delay
Even with a later debut than rival Android foldables, Apple’s first folding iPhone is still expected to be a major product. Market analysts estimate first-year sales could reach 11 million units.
That would be an aggressive target for Apple’s first foldable device. The figure is said to be roughly twice the target Samsung has set for its own foldables in the same period.
The high target shows just how much interest Apple’s first step into the foldable category continues to generate. At the same time, the possible delay suggests Apple may still be refining the technology and production process before making its move.
For now, attention remains fixed on whether Apple will make an announcement in September and what details may follow in the months after. Until there is official confirmation, iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra remains caught between a big debut and a strategic postponement.