Apple Aims for 2026 Launch of Foldable iPhone After Successful Prototype Testing

Apple Inc. has initiated testing of prototype models for its first foldable iPhone, with the goal of entering the engineering verification testing (EVT) phase by the end of this year. The company is targeting a launch in the second half of next year, marking a significant milestone in its exploration of foldable technology. The P1 prototype has already undergone initial performance and reliability evaluations in the laboratory, focusing on critical aspects such as the folding hinge structure, screen durability, and signal stability of the device body. This progress indicates that Apple is making substantial strides in integrating foldable screen technology into its flagship product line.

The P1 testing phase, which typically lasts around two months, aims to confirm the overall appearance, thickness, and weight of the device, as well as to assess the folding mechanism's durability and user experience. If this phase is successful, the development will proceed to the P2 and P3 stages, where hardware design will be further refined, and details such as heat dissipation and antenna performance will be optimized. Following the completion of all prototype testing, the product will enter the EVT stage to ensure that the design concept is free of major flaws. If all goes according to plan, the design verification (DVT) and production verification (PVT) stages will commence by the end of this year, validating the overall design consistency and production line stability to ensure stable, controllable mass production. The product is expected to enter the mass production phase in 2026.

In addition to the foldable iPhone, Apple had initially planned to release a larger foldable iPad. However, the company has decided to prioritize the foldable iPhone, temporarily shelving the iPad project due to challenges in component production, high potential selling prices, and relatively low market demand. The successful development and launch of a foldable iPhone could position Apple at the forefront of innovation in the smartphone market, potentially attracting consumers who are eager for cutting-edge technology. The company's ability to deliver a high-quality foldable device will depend on overcoming technical challenges and ensuring a seamless user experience. As Apple continues to refine its foldable iPhone, the industry will be closely watching to see how this new form factor will impact consumer preferences and market dynamics.