Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) long-rumored foldable iPhone could arrive later than the rest of the iPhone 18 lineup, with supply constraints potentially delaying preorders and sales until the fourth quarter of 2026, according to prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Foldable iPhone Launch Could Mirror iPhone X Rollout
In a post on X over the weekend, Kuo said his latest supply-chain checks indicate assembly shipments of Apple’s first foldable iPhone will total roughly 7 million to 8 million units in the second half of 2026.
Third-quarter shipments are expected to reach only 500,000 to 1 million units, far below the estimated 20 million to 22 million iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max units being assembled during the same period.
Because of those limited volumes, Kuo believes Apple may follow a strategy similar to the one it used for the iPhone X in 2017. While the foldable device could be unveiled alongside other iPhone 18 models, preorders and retail availability may come weeks later.
“The foldable iPhone is highly similar to the iPhone X in this regard: both use an innovative user experience as a key selling point, while manufacturing challenges limit early production,” Kuo wrote.
High Price, Tight Supply Could Fuel Demand
Kuo also said demand for the foldable iPhone is expected to remain strong despite a projected price of about $2,300 to $2,500.
According to the analyst, limited initial availability, a distinctive design and Apple’s entry into the foldable category could result in immediate sellouts once preorders begin.
He added that delivery times could quickly extend to “4–6 weeks or longer” and remain elevated through the end of 2026.
Kuo also suggested resale prices could temporarily rise well above Apple’s official pricing due to constrained supply.
True Demand May Become Clear In 2027
While early demand is expected to be boosted by launch excitement and holiday-season buying, Kuo said the best gauge of the device’s long-term appeal will likely come in late 2026 and the first quarter of 2027, after production stabilizes and supply bottlenecks ease.
As those temporary factors fade, he said, it will become clearer whether demand for Apple’s first foldable iPhone is sustainable.
Apple’s 2026 iPhone Lineup Takes Shape
Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup is facing heightened scrutiny following reports of a supply chain breach, possible price increases and a revamped launch schedule.
Meanwhile, Apple could also raise iPhone prices after increasing prices on several products, including Macs, iPads, HomePods and Apple TV models.
Price Action: Apple shares closed 4.84% higher at $308.63 on Thursday and edged down 0.06% to $308.45 in after-hours trading, according to Benzinga Pro.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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