**Foldable iPhone May Not Launch Until 2027 Due to Hinge Design Delays**
Apple’s much-anticipated first foldable iPhone, expected to be called the iPhone Fold, might not hit the market until 2027. This potential delay stems from issues in finalizing a key component’s design — the hinge.
### Earlier Expectations for the iPhone Fold Launch
Up until recently, most reports indicated that Apple would introduce its foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Air in September next year. The base iPhone 18 model, along with the lower-priced iPhone 18e, was expected to launch the following spring.
However, Japanese securities firm Mizuho Securities now suggests a delay in mass-producing the hinge could push the iPhone Fold’s release to 2027.
### The Challenge of Designing the Hinge
As reported by South Korean site The Elec, Mizuho informed its clients that Apple has yet to finalize the design and specifications for its foldable phone. The hinge, a vital component for any foldable device, remains a sticking point.
Apple reportedly intended to use an innovative hinge that would either eliminate or significantly reduce the crease — the common issue that has plagued foldable phones since their inception.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently mentioned that the cost of the hinge might end up $20 to $40 cheaper than initially expected. While the current estimate for the hinge is between $100 to $120 per unit, the price could drop to $70 or $80 by mass production.
### Mizuho’s Forecast and Potential Delay
AppleInsider translated Mizuho’s note to clients, which reads:
*”It is not easy to mass-produce a foldable phone in the third quarter of 2026 and release it in September. It takes time to decide the final design and specification of Apple’s hinge.”*
This challenge alone could justify postponing the iPhone Fold’s introduction until 2027.
While Mizuho doesn’t completely dismiss the possibility of a 2026 launch, it warns that Apple would likely produce 5 to 7 million fewer units than initially anticipated.
The firm has also revised down the expected number of display panels for the iPhone Fold from 13 million to 9 million units.
### Display Specifications
According to Mizuho analysts, the foldable iPhone will feature:
– A 7.58-inch internal display
– A 5.38-inch cover (external) screen
Earlier reports from April suggested slightly different sizes — a 7.76-inch internal screen and a 5.49-inch external screen.
For context, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 sports an 8-inch internal display and a 6.5-inch external display.
### Additional Features and Market Context
One feature expected to make a comeback with the foldable iPhone is Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint sensor first introduced on the iPhone 5s in 2013. It was replaced by Face ID when the iPhone X launched in 2017.
Foldable phones remain a niche market globally. Analysts predict this will continue until Apple officially enters the space.
– The global foldable penetration rate is expected to be only 1.5% to 1.6% of total smartphone sales in 2025.
– Total foldable phone shipments are forecasted to reach approximately 19.8 million units this year.
Currently, Huawei leads the foldable market with a 45% share as of Q2 2025, followed by Motorola, which notably doubled its global foldable market share to 28% during Q2 2025 due to the strong performance of its Razr line. Samsung held 9% of the market share before releasing the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
In the U.S., Motorola and Samsung rank first and second in foldable sales respectively as of Q2 2025.
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### Will You Buy a Foldable iPhone?
– Yes. I can’t wait for the iPhone Fold.
– No. I don’t like foldable phones.
– I would love a foldable phone, but not a foldable iPhone.
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https://www.phonearena.com/news/apple-could-delay-iphone-fold_id174981
