A new report claims that the iPhone Fold has entered a key production stage and that, if it passes tests, the device will be launched alongside the iPhone 18 range in September 2026.
Following rumors in March 2026 of Samsung Display planning to ramp up production of screens for the iPhone Fold, a new report backs up that schedule. According to leaker Instant Digital on Chinese social media site Weibo, the iPhone Fold is now in testing.
"The iPhone Fold is now in trial production at Foxconn," says the leaker (in translation). "If there is no accident, the iPhone Fold folding screen will be sold simultaneously around July like the iPhone 18 Pro."
Translation issues aside, what this most likely means is that Foxconn is testing the assembly of the folding screen onto the iPhone Fold. Should it pass the production tests, the folding screen will start full manufacturing.
The quoted July date fits with Apple's typical schedule for producing iPhones to be launched in September.
Note, though, that this report comes from the same leaker who initially made the claim about Samsung Display ramping up production. Instant Digital also said in March 2026 that Apple has abandoned its subsequent foldable, the iPhone Flip.
Then back in February 2026, the same leaker claimed to have all of the specifications for the iPhone Fold. Instant Digital does have a reasonable track record, but if he or she were the only source for iPhone Fold leaks, they would seem less likely.
Still, Fixed Focus Digital recently said that the iPhone Fold will use a 3D-printed hinge. Bloomberg has also recently reported that the iPhone Fold may be ship later than the iPhone 18 range, but would be announced at the same time.
