According to a recent report from foreign media outlet Wccftech, Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone 18 Fold, is expected to be released by the end of 2026. Analyst Pu Deyu revealed in an investment briefing that the product has entered Foxconn's New Product Introduction (NPI) phase, marking the transition from design to production verification, with mass production scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. This timeline aligns with previous rumors, with the expected release date following the release of the iPhone 18 series in September of that year.
In terms of materials, the iPhone 18 Fold's biggest innovation lies in its titanium-aluminum hybrid frame. Titanium's structural strength ensures device durability, while aluminum's lightweight properties control overall weight. Analysts suggest that Apple may plan to use titanium for the load-bearing parts of the frame and aluminum for other parts to optimize weight distribution. The hinge, a core component of the foldable screen, will utilize a combination of titanium and stainless steel to ensure stability and alignment accuracy during repeated opening and closing.
When unfolded, the phone features a 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer screen. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman described it as resembling two ultra-thin iPhone Airs stacked side by side. The product has entered a critical verification phase, with the factory conducting small-scale pilot production to test the production line and address potential manufacturing issues in preparation for subsequent mass production.
