This image shows what iPhone 18 Pro could look like in dark cherry red (Pantone 6076). Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
New supply chain information reveals the four iPhone 18 Pro colors Apple might release this September. The popular and vibrant cosmic orange is gone, with a dark, wine-colored cherry red in its place, according to a new report.
A folding iPhone concept shows open and closed versions of the new handset. AI image: ChatGPT/Sonny Dickson/Cult of Mac
Apple signed a 3-year exclusive agreement with Samsung Display to supply the foldable OLED panels in its long-anticipated folding iPhone, according to a new report Wednesday.
Will Apple delay the iPhone Fold's launch? AI image: ChatGPT
Apple has reportedly run into complex engineering problems as it races to complete work on the first folding iPhone. The complications could derail the company’s mass production plans and, eventually, the device’s shipment schedule.
While Apple often runs into early manufacturing hurdles, it usually resolves them in time for planned releases. With its first foldable, things might not be so straightforward, according to a Monday report from Nikkei Asia.
However, Bloomberg pushed back Tuesday on the notion that the folding iPhone won’t launch on time.
“Apple’s foldable iPhone is — as of now — on track for a September debut with the iPhone 18 Pro,” wrote Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman on X. “While supply could be limited initially, it’s also on track to go on sale at the same time — or soon after — the Pro models. Nikkei report is off base.”
The folding iPhone might look much like this concept based on leaked CAD drawings. AI image: ChatGPT/Sonny Dickson/Cult of Mac
CAD drawings supposedly revealing the design of the first folding iPhone indicate the device will sport a very different shape than rival foldable smartphones.
The early Monday leak comes from a reliable source, and the design shown matches earlier reports about the so-called iPhone Fold. So this may well be what the new premium iOS device looks like when it debuts in the fall.
Polyimide film (PI) is tougher than the usual polyethylene terephthalate film (PET). Photo: Kolon Industries
Apple currently weighs the option of using a more durable display protection solution for its first foldable iPhone, according to a new report. The tougher film would offer better scratch resistance than what Samsung currently uses in its Galaxy Z Fold and other devices.
The first foldable iPhone may take design cues from the iPad. AI Image: Google Gemini
A new leak out of China purports to detail the iPhone Fold’s design. The leaker known as Instant Digital says the foldable iPhone will feature a Touch ID power button, as seen on the iPad Air and iPad mini.
The device will supposedly feature a black rear camera plateau, housing two cameras, a microphone and the flash.
Do you want a flip iPhone? AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Before Apple even launches its first folding iPhone, the company is reportedly exploring a follow-up model with a clamshell-like form factor, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr.
There’s no guarantee that Apple will launch such a model. But for now, it’s at least under consideration.
This could be the foldable iPhone's crease-free display. AI Image: Google Gemini
The first foldable iPhone may feature a crease-free inner folding screen. And Samsung has quietly given a first real look at the foldable’s display at CES 2026.
At the event, the company showcased a folding OLED panel with no visible creases — one that closely aligns with the display technology rumored for Apple’s long-awaited foldable.
2026 could be the year Apple reinvents the iPhone — again. AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
The first folding iPhone is expected to break iOS out of its years-long rut, and new rumors give us the most complete picture yet of a handset supposedly set to launch in 2026.
These come from a formerly prolific source of often reliable Apple leaks.
This AI mockup shows a possible look for the first foldable iPhone. AI image: chatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple’s highly anticipated first foldable iPhone could face a delay from 2026 until 2027 because Apple needs more time to finalize design elements like the hinge mechanism, according to a new report. And it also offers some new details on screen size and other specs.
Apple expects foldable iPhone to sell in big numbers. Photo: ChatGPT
Apple’s foldable iPhone won’t launch until at least H2 2026. Yet, the company is seemingly already optimistic about its demand, raising its shipment forecast.
A reputed Apple analyst says Apple has bumped its 2026 and 2027 shipment forecasts by a few million units.
A folding iPhone might be in short supply for a long time. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
The first folding iPhone reportedly will utilize Apple’s in-house C2 modem, switch to an advanced display technology to improve touch accuracy and make the screen crease less visible, and bring back a classic feature: Touch ID.
Codenamed V68, the book-style foldable is on track to debut in 2026
Apple might shake up the traditional iPhone release schedule next year. Image: Matteo Vella/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac
Apple might shake up the iPhone release schedule in a big way next year, delaying the iPhone 18 release date until the first quarter of 2027, according to a new report.
Why the big switch? To make room for next year’s standout device: the first folding iPhone.
Apple needs to ensure the folding iPhone stands out. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
The folding iPhone rumored to arrive in 2026 might mark a major turning point for foldable devices. But to pull that off, Apple’s first folding phone needs to do more than just look good — it needs to nail the fundamentals.
From durability and design to software and camera performance, here’s everything I want to see in the foldable iPhone.
A folding iPhone might be in short supply for a long time. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Production of the long-awaited iPhone with a folding screen begins in a few months, according to a trusted analyst. But Apple supposedly plans to make only a few million of them, indicating the company expects this to be a niche product.
Previous reports indicate the price for the folding iPhone could be around $2,000 — about what similar Androids with foldable screens cost. High cost keeps this entire class of handsets out of the hands of average users, and so far it doesn’t seem like Apple has a solution.
iPhone 18 release timeframe could have one big change. Photo: Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
Apple might rejig its iPhone release cycle in a big way in 2026, releasing high-end models in the fall and less-expensive models in the spring. If the rumor proves true, Apple would change things up to make room in its lineup for the first foldable iPhone.
Folding iPhone concept AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple chose Samsung Display as the exclusive supplier of OLED panels for its first foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026, according to a new report. The decision marks a departure from Apple’s typical multi-supplier strategy. It could help ensure high quality and reinvigorate the foldable OLED market.
A folding iPhone might look something like this concept. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
To avoid mistakes made by rivals, Apple reportedly will do everything it can to create a crease-free folding iPhone with a durable hinge. According to a report released Friday, that includes producing the hinges using a liquid metal process.
A folding iPhone might look a little something like this concept. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple’s first foldable iPhone may sport a book-style design and a steep $2,000+ price tag. It will apparently sport a 7.8-inch inner folding display, with a 5.5-inch cover display.
Despite its high price tag, the foldable iPhone will seemingly have a strong replacement demand among loyal Apple fans.
Apple moves ahead with the long-awaited folding iPhone. AI concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple’s display supplier reportedly solved the biggest technical challenge slowing the acceptance of foldable phones: the ugly screen crease where the display bends.
With that hurdle cleared, production of components for the slim, folding iPhone supposedly will begin later this year.
Does Apple really need a folding iPhone to be successful in 2024? Photo: KJMX
iPhone’s lack of two key features — generative AI and a foldable design — could cause a significant decline in shipments in 2024. TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says without these advances, the iPhone will fall behind amid a “new paradigm in high-end mobile phone design.”
Kuo cites supply chain sources to back up his predictions. However, there are numerous reasons to doubt his opinion.
Apple wants to remove the polarizer from OLED panels to make them thinner Screenshot: ConceptsiPhone
Apple has started developing an OLED panel without a polarizer that will make them thinner than traditional displays.
Reportedly, these slim OLED panels are ideal for use in foldable displays. Samsung already uses OLED displays with similar technology on the Galaxy Z Fold3.
A 2023 iPhone could look like this, letting users put an 8-inch screen in their pocket. Concept: Ran Avni
There’s plenty of proof that Apple has had a folding iPhone on the drawing board for years. But the company held off until flexible displays are past the prototype phase. The latest foldables from Samsung show that the technology has finally matured to the point where an iPhone Fold could become a mass-market success.
This surely hasn’t escaped Apple’s attention, which is why a folding iPhone is probably coming in 2023.
If Apple makes a foldable iPhone, it might look like this concept design. Screenshot: ConceptsiPhone
A folding iPhone is two years away, according to a trusted industry analyst. When open, the device will have an 8-inch screen, significantly bigger than the current largest iOS model, which has a 6.7-inch display.
If Apple makes a foldable iPhone, it might look like this concept design. Screenshot: ConceptsiPhone
Apple is reportedly testing two different folding iPhone designs. But only one of them has a flexible screen. If one of the prototypes successfully passes testing, it could become the first foldable iOS handset.