According to information from a Chinese technology blogger, Apple has been testing foldable phones in the research and development process since 2016.
AlphaBiz site cited an Apple leader that the folding iPhone will be announced in the first quarter of 2027 instead of the fourth quarter of 2026 as planned. The reason for the delay was not mentioned, but the decision was made after the company built enough production processes, including establishing a supply chain for folding screens.
Apple continues to delay the launch of the folding iPhone
It is known that the device will use a screen manufactured by Samsung. Samsung is currently supplying main screen panels for Apple devices and there are reports that Samsung will continue to supply screens for Apple's folding devices.
Accordingly, Samsung is trying to increase the performance of foldable screens to provide screens for Apple's first folding product.
However, according to leaked sources, the latest folding screen panel was damaged during Apple's strict internal testing process, so the company has paused the folding screen iPhone project.
According to The Information, Apple has built at least two foldable iPhone prototypes after more than 5 years of research and development. Two iPhone prototypes have a clamshell folding style, but these two prototypes are not part of Apple's roadmap for introducing new products in 2024 and 2025.
It is unclear whether the announcement to stop the project will affect Apple's continued development of the folding iPad.
Previously, there were reports that Apple was paying more attention to a device larger than the foldable iPhone because it would not need to meet high durability requirements like the iPhone.
In addition, LG and Samsung's display divisions are in discussions with Apple to develop screens and anti-reflective materials for folding phones. In early March, Apple was granted a patent for a fold-free screen, in which in the folding area, the glass is made thinner to form a groove when bent, and the company also fills this groove using Use a polymer coating.
