Apple’s foldable iPhone is reportedly at risk of cancellation

After several reports about a foldable iPhone, its future remains uncertain, especially since Apple canceled its car and micro-LED projects. It looks like folding the iPhone could go in the same direction.according to alphabiz (via digitimes), Apple may postpone the release of this device to the first quarter of 2027 or ultimately terminate this project if the technology does not meet quality standards.

For now, the delay from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027 does not scare the iPhone maker. Still, some analysts believe Apple may abandon the foldable iPhone project “because the panel technology is not mature enough.”

Apple has reportedly placed staff who previously worked on the Vision Pro into its folding division. For the past few months, BGR We’ve heard reports about a foldable iPad, foldable Mac, and foldable iPhone, but it’s unclear if any of these projects will ever see the light of day.

It is currently rumored that Apple is discussing supply orders with LG Display and Samsung Display. “Apple has high requirements for panel specifications, including half the thickness of current iPhones and preferably perfectly smooth creases,” the report said.

Also, at Korean outlets, The Elec and American publications information We recently shared details about this foldable iPhone.

They say Apple is planning a foldable iPhone like the Galaxy Z Flip, but it would need to be as thin as current iPhone models. Just to be clear, the iPhone 15 Pro is 8.25mm thick, so Apple is aiming for the iPhone Flip to be the same thickness as the original 2007 model, which was 11.6mm thick.

The report believes Apple started the project around 2020, but it could take several more years to complete. Even more interestingly, Korean outlet The Elec recently learned that Apple is considering a release date of either 2026 or 2027 for a foldable device roughly the same size as the iPad mini.

The report doesn’t call it a phone call. Previous rumors suggested that Apple’s first foldable device could be a tablet rather than an iPhone.

Foldable iPhone leak hints at 20th anniversary

The Ellec points out that 2027 will be the 20th anniversary of the iPhone and the 10th anniversary of the launch of the first iPhone with an OLED panel. The latter is not much cause for celebration. The 2017 iPhone X had to be different, as Apple celebrated the device’s 10th anniversary. And OLED screens now allow Apple to create full-screen displays in addition to his TrueDepth system.

However, creating a foldable iPhone in 2027 to commemorate the iPhone’s 20th anniversary would be a big deal. Thanks to this information report, I now think this may be Apple’s ultimate goal. This is all about reinventing the way we use and interact with our iPhones once again by introducing a foldable model.