Apple has reportedly entered the Prototype 1 (P1) phase for its first foldable iPhone this June 2025, marking the beginning of internal testing and prototyping. Supply chain sources confirm this early development stage—a significant step toward a potential 2026 launch. Foldable iPhone prototyping underscores Apple’s intent to enter this high-end market segment.
🔍 Prototype Milestones & Timeline
- P1 phase began in June: Apple’s suppliers initiated initial limited prototype runs, with P2 and P3 to follow ahead of the Engineering Validation Test (EVT) stage.
- Testing and validation: Each prototyping phase spans roughly two months, setting up EVT for late 2025 and a mass production timeline in the second half of 2026. macrumors.com
📅 Launch Roadmap
- Manufacturing: According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, mass production is expected in late Q3–Q4 2025, with Foxconn leading assembly efforts.
- Release window: Most reports converge on a fall 2026 debut, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 series.
🔧 Design & Specs (Current Rumors)
- Form factor: Likely a book-style foldable akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
- Displays: Expected to feature a 7.8‑inch crease‑free internal display and a 5.5‑inch external screen.
- Durability & hinge: Reports suggest a liquid-metal hinge for fewer creases and improved resilience.
- Biometrics: Likely to include side-mounted Touch ID instead of Face ID due to internal space constraints.
✅ Why It Matters
- Strategic entry: The prototype phase signals Apple’s serious commitment to entering the foldable phone market—a key frontier in mobile innovation.
- Industry catch-up: Competitors like Samsung, Huawei, and OPPO already have multiple generations of foldables; Apple now aims to close the gap with its signature quality and design.
- Technological finesse: By focusing on materials like liquid metal and crease-free screens, Apple aims to avoid common foldable pitfalls.
- Timeline clarity: The P1 prototype confirms a structured path toward a fall 2026 release, with mass production ready in late 2025.
🔭 What to Watch Next
- Prototype evaluations: The P2/P3 stages and EVT period will reveal how durable and user-ready the device is.
- Hinge & display tests: Key milestones to watch—especially the crease, durability, and screen response results.
- Supply chain buildup: Expansion of display suppliers and scale-up will indicate production-readiness in late 2025.
- Market positioning: Apple’s ability to price ($2,000+) and deliver a seamless experience will determine mainstream acceptance.
✅ Summary
Apple’s shift into early foldable iPhone prototyping represents a major strategic move. With P1 prototypes underway and production phases aligned for late 2025, everything points toward a high-end fall 2026 release—potentially redefining the mobile market with Apple’s take on foldable innovation.
