Analyst Delays Foldable iPhone to December Launch as Plus Model Resurfaces
Barclays analyst Tim Long revealed in a note that Apple will likely delay its first foldable smartphone, the "iPhone Fold," until late 2026 rather than launching it alongside this year’s iPhone lineup. While many sources previously expected September or early December releases for both models and accessories like MagSafe chargers to arrive together next March, Long's supply chain reports suggest a split schedule with base iPhones arriving in spring but the foldable model pushed back by several months due to production complexities.
Key Points
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1Apple's first foldable phone is expected to be released later than previously anticipated.
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2Barclays analyst Tim Long states the iPhone Fold will likely arrive only at Christmas time, not in September or early 2026.
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3The launch of a new 'iPhone Plus' model could also happen next year due to poor sales performance on previous models.
Developments
Perspectives
Apple is expected to enter the foldable phone market later this year with a new 'iPhone Fold', but supply chain sources suggest it will not be released alongside other models in September, potentially delaying its debut until December.
— [Mar 20, 13:15] iPhone Fold soll erst im Dezember auf den Markt kommen (Macwelt.de)Rumors about Apple's first foldable phone have been circulating for months; new indications suggest the company might fundamentally rethink its strategy by shifting launch dates and possibly bringing back an 'iPhone Plus' model.
— [Mar 20,13:04]Apple verschiebt iPhone-Launch – und das iPhone Könnte zurückkommen (Maclife.de)'Forget the Foldable at Launch': While a flagship refresh is expected this year and Apple could officially enter foldables in 2026, consumers hoping to see it alongside other models released September are likely disappointed.
— [Mar 20] Forget the Foldble iPhone — Here's Actual Release Window (Androidheadlines)'iPhone-ticker.de' reports that while Apple is expected this year and will be seen in a foldable smartphone, interested parties may have to wait until December instead of September.
— [Mar 20]13:54 iPhone Fold soll erst im Dezember kommen (Iphone-Ticker)'Appleworld.today' reports that Barclays analyst Tim Long stated supply chain sources indicate the 'iPhone Fold', which is believed, will likely launch in December alongside an expected release of either a new Plus or Air model.
— [Mar 20]13:54 Analyst claims iPhone — Likely to Launch (Iphone-world.today)Apple analyst Tim Long reports that the first foldable iPhone will launch in December rather than September, shifting its release from Q1 to early spring alongside a staggered rollout of standard and Pro models. This change aims to distribute Apple's sales more evenly across two quarters instead of concentrating revenue primarily during October–December when high-end launches typically drive peak demand.
Analysts predict Apple will launch its foldable iPhone in December 2026, following the fall release of an expected "iPhone 18 Pro" later that year to allow for two separate product events. Additionally, there are reports suggesting a return to mid-range pricing with a new standard-sized model (replacing or supplementing the discontinued Plus) potentially arriving by late 2027.
Apple analyst Tim Long predicts a foldable model will ship in December rather than September due to manufacturing complexity or strategic delays similar to previous launches like the 2017 iPhone X release schedule delay between announcement and launch (e.g., late November). The article also notes an odd mention of "iPhone 18 Plus" despite last year's lack thereof, contrasting with rumors that Apple may have discontinued its previously planned Air model.