We’ve been hearing reports of a foldable iPhone for years, and the rumored launch dates have shifted later and later, with recent leaks suggesting the foldable iPhone wouldn’t hit the market until late 2026 or 2027. However, a new leak suggests we might actually get to see it. as soon as 2025.
This is from the Taiwanese site United Daily News (via @Jukanlosreve), which claims that Apple has accelerated development of a foldable iPhone and has been in frequent contact with Taiwanese manufacturers to try to get key components, such as the bearings, ready for mass production by the end of this year.
This in turn apparently means that the foldable iPhone will likely arrive sometime next year. The site doesn’t say when, but we suspect that, if true, it could launch in September, alongside the iPhone 17.
Ever-increasing interest and competition
So why is Apple reportedly speeding up the launch? According to United Daily News, this is because Samsung, Huawei and other brands regularly release foldable phones, making the product category increasingly popular.
So now that there is demand for these products, the time could be right for Apple to launch one. Many of the early issues with foldable phones have also been resolved in recent models such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – although minor issues such as screen creases remain.
That said, we’re taking this rumor with a grain of salt as most previous leaks about the foldable iPhone suggest we’ll be waiting longer. But it appears United Daily News has supply chain sources, so they may be right in saying production is being accelerated.
In that case, Apple could launch two completely new models in September, with both the foldable iPhone and the previously leaked iPhone 17 Air possibly landing.