After years of rumors, patents, and closed-door prototypes, the Apple's first foldable iPhone has taken a key step in its development: the so-called iPhone Fold has already entered the trial production phase on Foxconn's assembly lines in China. This move indicates that the device's overall design, core hardware, and internal architecture are virtually finalized.
This small-volume manufacturing stage serves to test processes, materials and assembly before ramping up to mass production. Although there's still a way to go, everything points to Apple being in the final stages of developing its first foldable phone, with a launch window in the second half of 2026 and a significant impact in markets such as Spain and the rest of Europewhere high-end mobile phones continue to be in strong demand.
Test production at Foxconn: what it really means
The various leaks from the Asian supply chain all agree that Foxconn is already assembling the first functional units of the iPhone Fold. It's not yet mass production, but a limited batch of devices intended to test whether the entire industrial process is viable.
In this phase, Apple evaluates aspects such as the flexible display integration The articulated chassis, the hinge's behavior after thousands of openings and closings, and the assembly's resistance to physical and thermal stress will be tested. If the results are satisfactory, the next step will be to adjust the assembly lines to scale up production for commercial launch.
These test productions are common when a brand introduces a radically new form factorIn the case of the iPhone Fold, the hinge, the ultra-thin glass, and the internal distribution of components require specific manufacturing processes that have little to do with those of a conventional iPhone.
Internal sources indicate that the industrial design is already finalized, which implies that Apple has given the green light to the book-like formatIt features a large internal screen and an external panel for quick access. From now on, the focus is on refining production details and ensuring reliability in line with the company's standards.
Meanwhile, it is expected that some of these test units will end up in the hands of Apple employees for internal use, which could lead to the first leaks of real images of the iPhone Fold in the coming months, beyond renders and schematics that are already circulating online.
Projected schedule: launch window and relationship to iPhone 18
Reports from Chinese sources indicate that Apple has marked its suppliers with a shipment target for the second half of 2026This fits with the idea of ​​an official announcement aligned with the iPhone 18 generation, although not necessarily at the same event.
There are two scenarios on the table: on the one hand, that the iPhone Fold will be presented alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max at the classic September event, but arrive in stores a few weeks later; on the other hand, Apple may opt for a separate event at the end of the year, taking advantage of the Christmas campaign to make the foldable the main protagonist.
In any case, the current testing phase suggests that the Mass production could start around mid-2026Following a similar schedule to that of traditional Pro models: validation in spring, large-scale manufacturing in summer, and commercial availability in the latter part of the year.
A launch with Limited stock during the first few monthsThis is relatively common in first-generation products with complex technology, especially if the folding panels require stricter quality control. In Europe and Spain, this could translate into long delivery times or very limited units in the first wave.
Although some initial rumors suggested a direct fit with the rest of the iPhone 18 range, the idea that the Fold will function as a aspirational and differentiated model, without overshadowing the more conventional phones in the range.
Design and format: a book-like folding book that is wider than usual.
Leaks agree that the iPhone Fold will opt for a book-style format with two screensOne external screen for quick daily use and a larger internal screen to take full advantage of multitasking capabilities. No clamshell design for this first generation.
It is expected that the outdoor screen size between 5,3 and 5,5 inchesdesigned to reply to messages, check notifications, or make calls without opening the phone. When the device is unfolded, a main panel of approximately 7,7 inches, with an aspect ratio close to 4:3 that would bring the experience closer to that of a small iPad.
One of the most frequently repeated details is that the iPhone Fold would be wider than other current folding phonesThis is reminiscent of the approach taken by models like the first Google Pixel Fold. This slightly more squared-off format would make it easier to reach any point on the screen with one hand, both vertically and horizontally, and would be more conducive to reading, content consumption, and multitasking with several apps open simultaneously.
In terms of thickness, we're talking about figures around 4,5 mm when open and around 9 mm when folded, very competitive figures compared to other phones of this type. The goal is that, when unfolded, the in-hand feel is as close as possible to that of a traditional slim iPhone, without the extra bulk that some foldable phones often have.
Regarding finishes, initial reports point to a titanium and aluminum chassisWith understated colors like black and silver at the initial launch, Apple would reserve more striking color schemes for future generations, prioritizing a very premium and discreet image from the outset.
The great battle of the fold: advanced hinge and ultra-thin glass
Beyond the device's overall shape, the aspect that generates the most anticipation is the inner screen foldApple not only wants to enter the foldable market, but to do so by directly addressing the main weakness of this category: the visible and palpable crease in the central area of ​​the panel.
Reports from Asian suppliers indicate a very ambitious goal: a fold with a depression less than 0,15 mm when the screen is fully open. We're talking about a gap comparable to the thickness of a human hair, practically imperceptible to both sight and touch under normal use.
To achieve this, Apple would have opted for a combination of ultra-thin glass (UTG) and a next-generation hingeThe glass, supplied by Corning and processed by partners such as Lens Technology, would be reinforced to minimize microcracks and improve continuous flex. On top, a thin layer of transparent polyimide would serve as additional scratch protection without sacrificing the feel of touching real glass.
The other pillar of this system is the hinge. Various sources mention a hinge manufactured with liquid metal alloysThis amorphous material, which Apple has been researching for some time, offers high resistance to deformation and a great capacity to absorb impacts. This solution would allow for a better distribution of mechanical stresses along the fold axis, preventing it from always flexing at exactly the same point.
The set would be completed with a custom OLED panel developed by Samsung Display, with technology color filter over encapsulation (CoE) This eliminates the traditional polarizing layer, reducing thickness and improving brightness. With fewer layers between the finger and the pixels, the curvature required to fold the screen is also reduced, resulting in a smoother, unfolded surface.
Durability and aging of the flexible screen
However sophisticated the folding technology may be, one question remains that will only be answered with time: how will the flexible screen age with real-world useAll the figures currently being discussed refer to units that are practically brand new from the factory.
Apple is reportedly putting the iPhone Fold through laboratory tests with hundreds of thousands of opening and closing cyclesThe aim is to establish an official resistance figure, something it has already done with hinges and mechanisms from previous generations of products. These tests help identify critical points, from small initial wrinkles to potential failures due to material fatigue.
The company wants to avoid the setbacks suffered by some of the first folding cars of the competitionwhich showed signs of premature wear or even breakage in the fold area. Therefore, the strategy seems clear: delay the launch as long as necessary until the combination of ultra-thin glass, hinge, and intermediate layers can withstand intensive use without any issues.
In practice, it's reasonable to assume that, over the years, some wear or change in texture may appear in the central area, something practically inevitable in screens that are folded daily. The key will be in How long does it take for that wear and tear to become visible? and whether it actually affects the user experience for most users.
Once it hits the market, the classics will be plentiful. extreme tests on social mediaby bending the phone beyond recommended limits or subjecting it to unrealistic conditions. While these videos don't reflect everyday use, they help visualize the safety margin of Apple's design compared to what we've seen from other manufacturers.
Expected hardware: high-end power and focus on multitasking
Although Apple has not confirmed specifications, various leaks place the iPhone Fold at the level of the next-generation Pro modelsIt is expected to share a hardware platform with the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max, using an Apple A20 Pro processor manufactured on a 2nm process by TSMC.
This leap in lithography should translate into better performance and energy efficiencyThis is key in a device that combines a large internal screen with advanced multitasking capabilities. Configurations are rumored to include at least 8 GB of RAM, and even 12 GB in some variants, with storage starting at 256 GB for the base model.
In connectivity, rumors point to new C2 and N2 wireless chipsThese features are designed to optimize the consumption of WiFi, Bluetooth, and other radio systems. The integration of a next-generation 5G modem is also mentioned, with support for high-frequency bands where available, which is especially relevant in large European cities.
One of the most noticeable changes in daily life is the definitive abandonment of the physical SIM tray in favor of the eSIM as the only optionThis decision, which has already begun to appear in some models and markets, frees up internal space for batteries and components, although it will force many users to adapt to the fully digital management of their mobile lines.
To feed this set, sources speak of the largest battery ever fitted to an iPhonewith capabilities that could easily surpass those of the current Pro Max models. The combination of a generous battery, efficient processor, and optimized OLED panel will be essential to deliver competitive battery life, even with intensive use of the internal screen.
Foldable software and user experience
Hardware is only one part of the equation. For the iPhone Fold to make sense, Apple needs iOS to be... adapts naturally to the foldable formatVarious sources indicate that future versions of the system will incorporate specific optimizations for this type of device.
Among the functions being considered, the following stand out: more flexible split-screen modeImprovements to window management for working with multiple apps simultaneously and a seamless interface that transitions between the external and internal screens. The idea is that the user won't have to think too much about how to position the phone: the system will automatically rearrange content based on its orientation and how open it is.
In this context, the interior screen acts almost as a small built-in iPadWatching shows, editing documents, reviewing photos, or playing games would all benefit from that extra screen space, provided the apps are well-optimized. It wouldn't be surprising to see Apple encouraging developers, including in Europe, to adopt this format. responsive designs that take full advantage of multitasking and switching between screens.
Regarding biometric security, reports indicate that Apple may forgo Face ID in this first foldable generation, in favor of a Touch ID integrated into the side buttonThis approach simplifies the integration of sensors into a flexible screen and ensures convenient unlocking, whether the phone is open or folded.
The final experience will depend on how all these pieces are combined: screen transitions, app state management when folding or unfolding the phone, and use in mixed modes, for example, resting on a table as a small screen for video calls or video playback.
Apple's competition and position in the foldable market
While Apple rushes to finalize the last steps before launching its first foldable phone, manufacturers like Samsung, OPPO or Google They already have several generations in this segment. Samsung, in particular, is preparing to launch its eighth Galaxy Z Fold series, consolidating its expertise with flexible displays.
This time advantage doesn't necessarily mean Apple will be at a disadvantage. The company retains a very strong position in the high-end ecosystemespecially in Europe and Spain, where the integration between devices and services (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch…) weighs as much or more than pure specifications.
Apple's move aims to enter this niche in a more mature way, avoiding youthful mistakes and betting on a more polished product from day oneIf the promise of a nearly invisible crease materializes, it is likely to become a benchmark compared to other foldable phones that still show a clearly perceptible crease in the center of the screen.
In any case, the arrival of the iPhone Fold will also serve to accelerate competition in the higher price rangeforcing other manufacturers to further improve hinges, OLED panels and software optimizations so as not to fall behind the new rival.
For Spanish and European users, the result will be a wider range of foldable options, with Apple joining a game previously dominated by Android manufacturers. The question remains: what real market share can a device that isn't exactly expected to be affordable capture?
Price and positioning in Spain and Europe
Everything points to the iPhone Fold clearly being positioned in the upper market segmentIndustry estimates suggest a price range between $1.800 and $2.500, which, after applying standard tax and exchange rate adjustments, would place the device at around [price missing]. 1.900-2.400 euros in Europe.
In Spain, where the price of the iPhone Pro is already approaching high figures, it wouldn't be surprising if the basic model of the iPhone Fold, with 256 GB of storage, were priced around... 2.000 euros or a little moreThis would make it a clearly aspirational product, aimed at an audience that prioritizes having the latest technology over price.
The context doesn't help to reduce costs either: the Increase in the price of RAM and foldable OLED panelsThis, combined with the complexity of the hinge and the new materials, inevitably pushes manufacturing costs upward. Apple might try to keep the final price down somewhat to avoid exceeding certain psychological barriers, but it doesn't seem likely that this will be a device for everyone's budget.
Compared to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which will continue to cover the more traditional high-end market, the iPhone Fold would be positioned a step above, both in price and image. The company would assume that its first foldable phone will be, at least initially, a niche product within the iPhone rangeThis is something reserved for enthusiasts, mobile professionals, and users who will really benefit from the hybrid mobile/tablet format.
Given these premises, the impact of the iPhone Fold in Spain and Europe will not be measured so much in sales volume as in influence on the perception of foldable mobile phonesIf the product proves successful, it could further normalize these types of devices and accelerate the price drop in a few years, allowing foldable phones to reach a wider audience.
With the iPhone Fold now entering trial production at Foxconn, Apple is approaching the decisive moment in its entry into the world of foldable phones: a project that combines a wider-than-usual book-like format, a remarkable effort to almost eliminate the screen crease, and top-of-the-line hardware that will likely be reflected in the price, especially in markets like Spain and the rest of Europewhere this new iPhone is shaping up to be a device that is as exclusive as it is highly anticipated.