Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is now likely to arrive in September, which could see it debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, per a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That update follows another report, published less than a week prior, that raised concerns about delays associated with challenges in the device’s engineering test phase.
Those concerns haven’t stopped Apple from moving ahead, and it seems to be sticking with its original timetable. The phone’s intricate design may restrict the number of units available at launch, according to Gurman. But the company is hoping to release it in line with its standard flagship models, or shortly thereafter. That said, the timing has yet to be finalized with several months left to go.
This would be a big release for Apple. The company has remained absent from the foldable phone game, as competitors like Samsung and numerous Chinese brands have barreled ahead with their own designs. Moving into this area now would allow Apple to take direct action in a category that has been slowly growing over the last few years.
According to the reports, Apple has put a lot of effort into solving typical problems associated with foldable devices. These are better screen durability, better overall build quality, and reduced visibility of the crease that comes from unfolding the phone. If these enhancements hold up in the real world, they could differentiate Apple in an arena where hardware reliability has been a problem.
For the time being, details on pricing, design and availability are scarce. And yet if Apple follows its expected timeline, the foldable iPhone could be one of the most-watched product launches at the company in years.
