Apple's iPhone Fold and foldable iPad are still on schedule along with the lightweight counterpart to the Apple Vision Pro, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The main attention on Apple is focused on the inbound iPhone 17 range, but the company is still working on future products. If a report from long-time Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is accurate, Apple's future product launches are right on time.
According to Kuo, Apple is still projected to be bringing the iPhone Fold to market in 2026. In the same paragraph in Kuo's September 2 report, he adds that a folding iPad is also on the way, expected in 2028.
The report is framed around General Interface Solution, a company that is performing backend processing for Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) used in the iPhone Fold display. UTG is a component that is sensitive to micro-cracks on the edges, as well as surface particles and stress fatigue, making it complex to process.
GIS is expected to begin supplying glass for the display panels in 2026, with it working with long-time glass supplier Corning on the processes.
Kuo adds that Apple allegedly revised its shipment forecasts up from between 6 to 8 million in 2026 to a larger 8 to 10 million units. For 2027, the 10 to 10 million estimate has been bumped up to between 20 million and 25 million units.
The foldable iPad won't be as successful, but is anticipated to ship between 0.5 million and 1 million units in 2028.
The 2026 timefrmae for the iPhone Fold is a favorite in the rumor mill, with many leakers and analysts insisting a 2026 or 2027 launch is probable.
When it comes to the iPad Fold, the general consensus is for a release after the iPhone Fold. However, there is a difference of opinion, with Kuo previously saying a 2027 release was plausible, backed up by Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants.
Mark Gurman has previously proposed a 2028 release for the folding iPad, while the ambitious Jeff Pu rolled back his 2026 launch claim for a more sensible 2027 target in August.
Apple Vision Air
As well as the foldable portable devices, Kuo also talks about another product. A future variant of the Apple Vision Pro, the Apple Vision Air is described as a lightweight counterpart to the heavier initial headset.
The analyst says there is the expectation for Apple to launch Vision Air in 2027.
The key selling point for the Vision Air is, as the name implies, weight. The new model is described by Kuo as being over 40% lighter than the Pro, and more than 50% cheaper.
GIS fits in with the device due to it set to become the replacement exclusive supplier of pancake lenses used by the headset.
Shipments for the Apple Vision Air are expected to reach 1 million units in 2027. By comparison, the Apple Vision Pro is said to have sold fewer than 400,000 units.
Rumors for the Apple Vision line include chip upgrades in late 2025 or early 2026, bolstered by code leaks. Another leak in Xcode 26 also points towards a cheaper Apple Vision headset, which tallies up with rumors of a headset aimed at consumers with tighter budgets.
Kuo is one of the more prominent names in the leaks and rumor industry, in part due to having a very strong track record for Apple-related information. His strength is in his supply chain checks, but he has also been found to be accurate when discussing future product features too.
