According to supply chain sources speaking to DigiTimes and corroborated by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has begun prototyping its long-rumored foldable iPhone, with the device reaching the P1 (Prototype 1) development stage in June 2024. This marks the company’s first functional testing phase for the project.
As reported by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, Apple is following its established product development timeline:
- P1 Prototype Phase (Current stage): Functional units with basic folding mechanisms
- EVT Phase (Expected late 2025): Engineering verification for mass production
- Potential Launch Window: Second half of 2026
Display analyst Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants suggests Apple is working with Samsung Display on a 7.58-inch foldable panel that addresses the visible crease issue plaguing current foldables. This aligns with The Elec‘s earlier report about Samsung developing new ultra-thin glass technology for Apple.
Key specifications under testing, as leaked by industry insider @Tech_Reve on Twitter/X, include:
- Titanium body construction
- Dual 48MP rear camera system
- Modified iOS interface optimized for folding displays
Noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo cautions that the company hasn’t finalized all specifications, telling 9to5Mac that “display durability and hinge mechanisms remain primary focus areas.”
The development follows Apple’s 2021 patent filings (USPTO #10,937,207) for foldable display technology and aligns with CEO Tim Cook’s 2022 statement to The Independent about waiting “until we can do it right” regarding foldables.
Reuters reports that Apple’s cautious approach contrasts with competitors – while Samsung has shipped foldables since 2019, Apple aims to solve pain points like display creasing and software adaptation before entering the market.
As first noted by MacRumors, this project may benefit from technologies developed for the rumored iPhone 17 Air, expected to debut in 2025 with an ultra-thin form factor.
Market research firm TrendForce estimates Apple could capture 15-20% of the foldable market within two years of launch, potentially disrupting current leaders Samsung and Huawei.