iFold: Analyst claims folding iPhone and iPad to enter mass production in 2026

With folding phones continuing to grow in popularity, it's inevitable that Apple will jump on the bandwagon. That shift may happen sooner than we think, and it may include more than the iPhone.

According to research analyst Jeff Pu, Apple will begin the mass production of both a foldable iPhone and a foldable iPad in the latter part of 2026. Pu also claims that prototyping for these devices will begin next month (April 2025). Starting production in 2026 would most likely see the devices launched in 2027, probably during September (when Apple usually announces new iPhones).

Pu offered no other details at this time. This is merely a rumor, so take it with the prerequisite grains of salt. However, Pu did accurately predict that the iPhone SE 4 (now known as the iPhone 16e) would debut Apple's first made-in-house cellular modem.

In addition to his prediction about a folding iPhone, Pu claims that shipments of iPhones through the rest of 2025 will be "lukewarm." Pu claims this is largely in part to Apple Intelligence's somewhat-botched release, specifically Siri features that have been delayed time and time again.

Rumors of Apple releasing a folding iPhone have swelled over the past year. Currently, the folding iPhone (perchance to be named the iFold or iPhone Fold) is speculated to have a foldable 8-inch internal display, putting it at the size of an iPad Mini when opened up. Rumors about a foldable iPad, while less lively, are also circulating; the device is expected to have a 19-inch internal screen when unfolded.