Foxconn Kicks Off iPhone Fold Trial Production
Foxconn starts trial production on Apple's iPhone Fold, targeting mass production in July and a 2026 launch possibly in December. This puts Apple on track to challenge Samsung's foldable dominance with a premium iOS device amid a market ripe for disruption.

Apple's foldable push arrives late to a market dominated by Samsung, whose Galaxy Z series commands over 50% share. The iPhone Fold, expected to feature an 18cm display that unfolds to 7.8 inches, aims to blend premium build quality with iOS polish—qualities foldable rivals often lack.
Delays have plagued the project since 2021 whispers, with Apple rejecting prototypes over hinge and screen durability issues. Trial production signals newfound confidence, potentially after refinements from suppliers like BOE and Samsung Display.
A post-September 2026 launch—possibly December, after the iPhone 18 Pro—avoids cannibalizing standard iPhone sales. This timeline lets Apple observe competitors' stumbles, like creases and high prices that deter mainstream adoption.
Success here reshapes foldables from niche gadgets to must-haves. Samsung and Google face stiffer competition, while Apple's entry could spike shipments, projected to hit 100 million units annually by 2028. Yield rates during trials will dictate if mass production follows.
Watch for leaks on final specs and pricing. If Apple nails the form factor, 2026 marks foldables' tipping point.