Apple's first foldable iPhone will arrive months after the iPhone 18 Pro lineup this fall, breaking from the company's traditional single-launch window strategy.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman confirmed the staggered release schedule, with the foldable model shipping after both iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models debut in September. The delay pushes Apple's entry into the folding smartphone market to December at the earliest.
Production challenges with flexible displays and hinge mechanisms reportedly forced the timeline shift. Unlike traditional iPhones, foldable devices require advanced durability standards that have complicated manufacturing.
The iPhone Fold will feature a 5.3-inch external display that unfolds into a 7.6-inch internal screen, resembling an iPad mini when open. At just 4.5mm thick when unfolded, Apple has developed advanced display techniques to minimize the visible crease common in folding phones.
Power comes from Apple's A20 chip paired with dual rear cameras and Touch ID built into the power button rather than Face ID. The device could cost as much as $2,500, positioning it above existing Pro models in Apple's lineup.
This marks Apple's second major departure from its established iPhone patterns in two years. The company introduced the iPhone 16e in February 2025 followed by last year's iPhone Air launch, both breaking from the traditional four-model September cadence.
By delaying the foldable iPhone until after Pro models launch, Apple avoids cannibalizing sales of its premium devices while building anticipation for a new product category. The strategy gives consumers time to evaluate standard upgrades before considering a completely different form factor.
The staggered approach reflects broader changes to Apple's product roadmap detailed by 9to5Mac. Instead of annual refreshes across all models simultaneously, Apple now plans multiple launch windows throughout each year.
Spring 2027 will bring three more iPhones including an updated standard model and second-generation Air variant. That fall introduces what some call "iPhone 20," featuring a bezel-free display with under-screen camera technology for Apple's twentieth smartphone anniversary.
For now, attention focuses on September's iPhone 18 Pro models expected with under-screen Face ID and A20 Pro chips built on Apple's new 2nm process technology.
