Apple is in the midst of actively amassing components for its inaugural foldable iPhone, tentatively dubbed the 'iPhone Fold,' aiming for a market debut in 2026. Insights from Chinese sources suggest that Apple is stockpiling crucial parts, such as foldable OLED screens, frames crafted from titanium alloy, and hinge systems made from composite materials, all in anticipation of large-scale manufacturing. The smartphone is projected to enter the Foxconn New Product Introduction (NPI) phase in March 2025, with trial production set for September to October 2025, and a significant buildup of inventory planned for the second quarter of 2026.

From a design perspective, the device will feature a clamshell-style inward folding mechanism. When folded, its thickness will range between 9 and 9.5mm, thinning down to 4.5-4.8mm when unfolded. It will boast a 5.5-inch external display and a larger 7.8-inch internal screen. Charging capabilities will include 40W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. In a notable shift, Face ID will be replaced by side-mounted Touch ID. The anticipated starting price for this innovative device is around 13,000 yuan. Moreover, Apple is also reportedly in the process of developing a foldable iPad, with an eye on a 2028 release.