Multiple reports citing analyst Ming-Chi Kuo say Apple’s first foldable iPhone is still expected to debut in the second half of 2026, but early manufacturing constraints could keep it in short supply for months and push smooth, higher-volume availability into 2027. The articles attribute the bottleneck to early-stage yield and production ramp challenges typical of new form factors, with particular attention on complex components needed for a durable foldable design. For shoppers, that likely means a highly anticipated new device category for Apple—along with real-world incentives for the company to polish reliability before scaling, which could be good news for long-term product quality.

Highlights:

• Design snapshot: Kuo’s notes describe a book-style foldable with an outer display around 5.3–5.5 inches and a larger ~7.8-inch inner screen.
• Materials choice: The foldable is reported to use liquid metal in parts of the build, a material sometimes used to improve strength and wear resistance in compact components.
• Factory readiness: One report says Foxconn had been expected to start limited production before year-end, but the absence of follow-up reports suggests the device may still be in engineering validation rather than full ramp.
• Timing debate: Mizuho Securities previously suggested the launch could slip to 2027 if Apple takes longer to finalize design elements such as the hinge, though Kuo maintains a 2026 debut expectation.

Perspectives:

• Ming-Chi Kuo (analyst): Kuo’s research view is that Apple can introduce the foldable in late 2026, but yield and ramp constraints mean more stable, smoother shipments may not arrive until 2027. (Android Headlines)
• Cult of Mac (Apple news outlet): The outlet frames the story primarily as a consumer availability issue—warning that early buyers may face long waits because Apple could struggle to build enough units to satisfy demand. (Cult of Mac)
• 9to5Mac (Apple news outlet): Based on Kuo’s podcast comments, 9to5Mac emphasizes the production-timeline nuance: a 2026 introduction may happen even if broad availability effectively feels like 2027 for many buyers. (9to5Mac)

Sources:

• Kuo: iPhone Fold Production Challenges Could Limit Supply Next Year - reddit.com
• iPhone Fold Could Face Limited Supply Next Year Amid Production Challenges - androidheadlines.com
• The folding iPhone is coming – and you might not be able to get one for months - cultofmac.com
• iPhone Fold expected to launch in 2026 but ship in 2027 - techjuice.pk
• Here’s why you may have to wait until 2027 to get an iPhone Fold - 9to5mac.com