Ming-Chi Kuo is out with an update today on Apple’s highly-anticipated foldable iPhone. According to the analyst, Foxconn is set to “kick off the project” later this year in late Q3 or early Q4. At this time, however, many of the component specifications for the foldable iPhone “have yet to be finalized.”

The latest on the iPhone Fold

One of the flagship features of Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to be the display. While there are multiple foldable Android devices on the market, one of their biggest compromises is that there is a visible crease down the center of the display. Apple, however, has worked with Samsung Display to create a display that does not visibly crease.

According to today’s report from Kuo, the foldable display “is one of the few components with finalized specifications” for Apple’s folding iPhone:

The foldable display is one of the few components with finalized specifications and serves as a good reference for estimating potential shipments. Samsung Display (SDC) plans to build annual production capacity for 7-8 million foldable panels to supply the 2026 foldable iPhone. Given that actual production in 2026 may span only a few months, panel shipments that year are likely to fall short of full capacity.

According to previous reports, another standout design feature of the foldable iPhone will be its stainless steel and titanium alloy hinge. Kuo, however, says that this component “has yet to be finalized.” Nonetheless, Kuo adds that the hinge “has drawn considerable market attention.”

Assembly supplier Foxconn is expected to officially kick off the project in late 3Q25 or early 4Q25. As of now, many component specifications (including the hinge, which has drawn considerable market attention) have yet to be finalized.

While Foxconn is expected to kickstart its work on the foldable iPhone later this year, mass production isn’t slated to begin until later in 2026. The device is currently rumored to be released in late 2026. It will reportedly feature an approximately 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. This means the iPhone would be similar to an iPad mini screen when unfolded.

In terms of thickness, Kuo previously reported that Apple’s foldable iPhone will measure about 4.5 mm when unfolded, or 9.5 mm thick when folded.

Keep up with all the latest iPhone Fold rumors in our dedicated guide.

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