The long-rumored foldable iPhone might not ship in September as was expected, with only the iPhone 18 Pro shipping in the fall of 2026.
Apple has long been expected to announce the so-called iPhone Fold this fall. The launch was expected to come alongside Apple's other premium devices, leaving the iPhone 18 for an early 2027 release.
But Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has now poured cold water on those hopes, suggesting that Apple has other plans. Gurman was speaking during a Bloomberg Q&A session when he said that iPhone Fold buyers will have to wait a little longer to bend their handset in half.
A familiar pattern
If Gurman is correct, Apple could still announce the iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max at the same time. But the iPhone Fold would likely ship to customers at a later date.
Such a move wouldn't be unheard of. Apple shipped the 2017 iPhone X weeks after the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus went on sale.
This also isn't the first time that we've heard suggestions of a staggered release, either. Just a week ago, Barclays analyst Tim Long claimed that the iPhone Fold won't go on sale until December 2026.
While Long's history with such predictions is questionable, Gurman has a more reliable history. However, it's also possible that both are wrong and Apple still plans to ship all three iPhones at the same time.
The iPhone Fold is expected to sport a book-like design with a large, crease-free foldable display. It's believed that the desire for a display with an invisible crease was key to Apple's foldable phone plans.
A recent leak, supposedly from a case manufacturer, shows an iPad mini-like device when open. When closed, the iPhone Fold looks more squat than a traditional iPhone.
At this point, it's important to remember that none of this is confirmed by Apple. But the steady trickle of leaks suggests that 2026 may, finally, be the year of the foldable iPhone. Even if it's a few weeks later than we expected.
