Apple has been teasing us with rumors of a foldable iPhone for years, and now it looks like it’s finally on the horizon—but not quite when we thought. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the go-to guru for Apple scoops, dropped a key hint during a recent live Q&A: the iPhone Fold won’t hit store shelves alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max this fall. Instead, it’ll lag a bit behind, even if it’s unveiled at the same event.
This comes after months of buzz suggesting the foldable could drop as early as September with the rest of the iPhone 18 lineup. Gurman didn’t pin down an exact date, but his words paint a clear picture: expect the Pro models first, then a short wait for the Fold. “Foldable phones are very difficult to produce,” he explained. “That display technology is some of the most complex available today.” He drew parallels to the iPhone X’s rocky rollout a decade ago, when Apple’s bold new design caused production headaches and delayed availability.
Gurman emphasized that major form-factor shifts always come with hiccups. “Whenever Apple does something specifically complex, you’re going to be a little bit delayed past the other models,” he said. So, while the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are on track for a September debut, the Fold might not reach customers until October or later. It’s a smart move—Apple can hype the device at its big event without risking supply shortages right out of the gate.
A Fresh Take on Foldables
What sets Apple’s first foldable apart? Rumors point to a sleek book-style design, unfolding to a generous 7.8-inch inner display for immersive viewing and multitasking. When closed, a compact 5.5-inch external screen keeps things practical for quick checks and one-handed use—smaller than many rivals, which could make it feel more like a premium phone than a gimmick.
Under the hood, expect powerhouse specs: Apple’s next-gen 2nm A20 Pro chip for blazing performance and efficiency, paired with the company’s in-house C2 modem for faster, more reliable connectivity. Camera-wise, it’s shaping up with dual setups on both the rear and front, perfect for creators. And in a nod to user feedback, a Touch ID sensor embedded in the power button could return as a fingerprint unlock option alongside Face ID.
Pricing rumors aren’t cheap, though. The base 256GB model might start at $1,999 in the US (about Rs. 1,84,700) or CNY 15,999 (roughly Rs. 2,14,400) in China. That’s premium territory, but Apple could justify it with top-tier build quality and software magic, like seamless integration across its ecosystem.
Apple’s New Launch Strategy
This delay fits into a bigger shift for Apple. The company is reportedly splitting future iPhone releases into two waves. The high-end iPhone 18 Pro series will lead the charge in fall, followed by more affordable options—the standard iPhone 18, a rumored “Air” model, and perhaps an iPhone 18e—in spring. It’s a way to keep the hype cycle rolling year-round and stagger production demands.
Gurman stressed that foldables remain tricky beasts. Hinges, crease-free screens, and durability are ongoing challenges, even for leaders like Samsung and Google. Apple’s entry, rumored to rival the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, will need to nail the basics to stand out. No more fragile flaps—consumers want something that lasts.
Why the Wait Matters
For fans, this means planning ahead. If you’re eyeing the Fold for its futuristic vibe, mark your calendar for a potential October ship date, but don’t cancel your Pro pre-order. Apple’s history shows these delays often lead to polished products; remember how the iPhone X’s Face ID became an industry standard despite the bumps?
As we creep toward September, more leaks will trickle out. Gurman’s track record is solid—he nailed details on the Vision Pro and M-series chips—so this feels like more than speculation. Apple’s foldable era is dawning, just a tad slower than expected. It’ll be worth the patience.
