Apple Confirms Foldable iPhone Will Arrive After iPhone 18 Pro

Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market, but the company’s first foldable iPhone may not hit shelves alongside its traditional iPhone 18 Pro lineup. While the device is expected to be unveiled at Apple’s fall 2026 event, industry reports suggest its shipping could be delayed into October, November, or even December.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the foldable iPhone will almost certainly ship later than the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Although Apple may announce all devices simultaneously during its September launch, the rollout is likely to be staggered, with the Pro models leading the initial release cycle. This ensures Apple’s premium smartphones remain the focus during the fall launch window.

The delay is attributed to the technical challenges of foldable technology. Gurman noted that these devices involve some of the most complex display engineering currently available, making production slower than standard models. “Foldable phones are very difficult to produce… There is no doubt that this is going to come a little bit later than the Pro phones,” he said, comparing the situation to the delayed launch of the iPhone X in the past.

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The foldable iPhone, unofficially dubbed the “iPhone Fold,” is expected to feature a book-style design with a 5.3-inch outer display and a larger 7.6-inch inner screen when unfolded. Reports indicate a premium build with a titanium frame, reduced display creasing, and Touch ID integrated into the side button. Pricing is anticipated between $1,800 (Rs 1.7 lakh) and $2,500 (Rs 2.36 lakh), positioning it as one of Apple’s most expensive devices to date.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are set to launch on schedule, featuring significant upgrades including Apple’s next-generation A20 chip on a 2-nanometer process, enhanced battery efficiency, and camera improvements such as a variable aperture lens. Apple may also introduce its in-house modem with mmWave 5G support in these models.

Apple’s phased rollout highlights a strategic approach to innovation, balancing the excitement of new form factors with the production realities of cutting-edge technology. While the foldable iPhone may arrive later than initially expected, it is poised to mark a milestone in Apple’s product evolution, potentially reshaping the future of the iPhone lineup.

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