Apple Inc. has commenced early prototyping of its foldable iPhone, initiating the first prototype phase (P1) in June 2025, according to supply chain sources cited by Digitimes and other industry reports. The company aims to complete prototype testing by late 2025, enter the engineering validation test (EVT) phase, and target a launch in the second half of 2026, potentially as part of the iPhone 18 lineup. Meanwhile, development of a foldable iPad has been paused indefinitely due to challenges including higher production costs, particularly for flexible display panels, and weaker market demand for larger foldable devices. Industry analysts and reports suggest that Apple is prioritizing the foldable iPhone over the foldable iPad, viewing the latter's suspension as a strategic decision to focus resources on the more promising foldable iPhone product. The foldable iPhone project is progressing toward a potential market debut next year, marking a significant step in Apple's product innovation roadmap.
A new report repeats previous rumors that Apple will launch an iPhone 17e in early 2026, but also makes the dubious claim that the company will limit production to protect flagship sales. By @WGallagher https://t.co/n0zZCW70Jp
iPhone 17e said to launch next spring, with identical display to 16e https://t.co/tHw1GYjYEm by @benlovejoy
L'iPhone 17e serait dans les tuyaux pour le printemps 2026 ➡️ https://t.co/hZO07ZmGdw https://t.co/gAFa61neuI