After seven years of speculation about its arrival, the iPhone Fold is currently in the production prototyping phase, with an anticipated launch set for 2026. This news follows a history of rumors concerning Apple’s folding smartphone, and according to *DigiTimes*, the prototype is already undergoing its first round of testing earlier than expected. This aligns with reports suggesting that mass production is likely to commence in the summer of 2026.
Apple has historically employed a rigorous prototyping procedure for its devices, as detailed by *AppleInsider*. Despite the ongoing excitement about the iPhone Fold, this is not the first time reports have surfaced about Apple’s rumored device. Previous reports indicated that Apple has been developing multiple folding iPhone prototypes over the years, fueling speculation about the company’s commitment to this new form factor.
Essential details concerning the device’s design suggest that Apple is striving to set itself apart from competitors in the marketplace. The company has been working closely with Samsung to create a folding display that eliminates the crease commonly found in other devices. By 2025, Samsung Display was expected to fulfill Apple’s orders for these innovative screens.
Despite a series of patents and design proposals reflecting Apple’s interest in folding technology, the iPhone Fold has often been described as “always a year away.” Nonetheless, according to *DigiTimes*, the current stage of prototyping suggests that Apple is making genuine progress, having entered its first prototype tests as of June 2025. Following the prototype phase, the iPhone Fold will undergo several critical testing stages, including the Engineering Validation Test (EVT), Design Validation Testing (DVT), and Production Validation Testing (PVT).
While the durations for these processes can vary, the hope is that the iPhone Fold will ultimately be ready for mass production alongside the iPhone 18 series. However, there are reports suggesting that development of a folding iPad has been temporarily halted, indicating that Apple’s focus is firmly on the iPhone Fold for now.
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