Apple plans to initiate mass production of its foldable iPhone and iPad Pro by late 2026, according to analysts Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo.
The prototyping phase is set to begin in April 2026, with the devices moving into the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage at Foxconn.
The foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch main display, a 5.5-inch cover screen, side-mounted Touch ID, and no visible crease. The foldable iPad Pro will have an 18.8-inch OLED screen and under-display Face ID.
The devices are expected to launch in 2027, contingent upon design refinements following the prototyping phase.
Apple Accelerates Foldable Device Plans: iPhone and iPad Pro Target Late 2026 Release
Apple is said to be progressing on its roadmap for foldable devices, intending to begin mass production of a foldable iPhone and foldable iPad Pro in the latter half of 2026, as reported by analysts Jeff Pu from GF Securities and Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International.
The devices are presently in the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn, where they are in crucial stages of engineering and prototyping, with functional models anticipated by April 2026.
Key Features & Innovations
Foldable iPhone: Features a 7.8-inch main display and a 5.5-inch cover screen, engineered to prevent visible creasing. It replaces Face ID with side-mounted Touch ID for a more efficient authentication process. The design aims for a sleek, book-style appearance to improve portability.
Foldable iPad Pro: Boasts an 18.8-inch OLED foldable screen, the largest in Apple’s lineup. It includes under-display Face ID for smooth biometric integration.
Behind the Scenes: NPI and Prototyping
The NPI phase consists of meticulous steps, ranging from design validation to readiness for manufacturing. Apple’s partnership with Foxconn guarantees accuracy in prototyping, and analysts point out that late 2026 is the earliest expected date for mass production.
Any delays could postpone the launch to 2027, which aligns with Apple’s reputation for valuing refinement over hasty releases.
Market Implications
Apple’s entry into the foldable market places it in competition with Samsung and Google, capitalizing on its strong ecosystem. Analysts point out that the foldable iPad Pro could be a transformative product for creative professionals, merging the versatility of a tablet with the screen size of a laptop.
Sources consist of top industry analysts, such as Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo, who have a track record of providing reliable insights into Apple’s supply chain.
This information is supported by MacRumors and the historical accuracy of leaks during the NPI phase. The specifications are consistent with Apple’s design patents and their strategy of incremental innovation.
