While many other phones have already released their premium foldable variants, the much-awaited foldable iPhone is expected to be out in the market soon. As per the rumours and leaks, Apple's foldable iPhone has moved a step closer to becoming a reality. According to a new supply chain report, the company is said to have finalised the specifications, and the mass production may start soon, reportedly starting in July.The phone is likely expected to make its debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in 2026, and many components, like the hardware, display and mechanical structure, are seemingly progressing well. If all this is accurate, this might be one of the biggest hardware shifts of Apple since the launch of its first iPhone.What does the latest report reveal?According to the latest leaks, Apple has recently completed the first round of trial production in April and is now moving towards large-scale manufacturing through its assembly partner, Foxconn.Here is what the reports suggest:Key hardware components have passed the stage of verificationTrial production was successfully completed in April 2026Foxconn is likely to commence the mass production process by the end of JulyThough Apple has still not confirmed the device officially, the recent supply chain activities indicate that things are progressing well.Why the Foldable iPhone matters in 2026?Foldable smartphones have been available for years across the world now. And brands like Samsung, Google and more have released some of the most amazing flagship phones with a foldable display. However, Apple was away from the segment.The foldable iPhone could:Bring foldable phones into the mainstream premium smartphone marketEncourage more app developers to optimise software for larger, flexible display requirementsIntensify competition with the Samsung Z Fold series in this segmentOffer Apple users a tablet-like experience in a pocket-sized deviceFor many iOS users who have waited for Apple to enter this segment, this could be the first alternative to the traditional iPhones currently available in the market.Is Samsung Display playing a role here?The leaks suggest that Samsung Display is expected to be the exclusive supplier of the foldable OLED panels for Apple's first foldable smartphone. Reports suggest Samsung achieved higher yields exceeding Apple's requirements. This ultimately led to the approval for large-scale manufacturing of the device. The display supplier is said to have started preparing production capacity in Vietnam to support an initial order of approximately three million foldable OLED panels. The number is huge, and the things are expected to move on track. This partnership between Apple and Samsung is happening despite being the biggest rivals in the smartphone market for years.Is Apple solving the biggest challenge in the market of foldable smartphones?One of the constant rumours around Apple's foldable device has been the hinge mechanism. Foldable phones face engineering challenges like the creasing display, long-term durability, hinge reliability, dust resistance and more. The latest report indicates that most hinge-related concerns have been addressed, but the experts are still working to make things better before mass production begins. Apple is believed to be taking a cautious approach to ensure that the quality standards are not compromised.What are the expected specifications of the foldable iPhone?Though most of the specifications still remain unclear, the buzz and the leaks suggest a few things. Here they are:FeatureExpected DetailsDisplay TypeFoldable OLEDDisplay SupplierSamsung DisplayForm FactorBook-style foldableProcessorNext-generation Apple SiliconBuildPremium aluminium/titanium chassisLaunch Timeline2026 (Expected)Production StartJuly 2026 (Rumoured)Foldable iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold: What Could Be Different?Apple and Samsung are the two biggest rivals in the market of premium smartphones. With both of the brands expected to have their own foldable phones very soon, and Samsung being the display supplier for Apple, there still have to be visible differences between the two smartphones.Apple is expected to focus heavily on:Seamless software optimisation which matches the regular iOS requirementsBetter app continuity between folded and unfolded modesImproved battery efficiencyEnhanced durabilityStrong ecosystem integration with iPad, Mac and Apple WatchIf successful, Apple's entry could actually reshape Samsung’s dominance in this segment.What Could the Foldable iPhone Cost?As per the current reports, Apple's first foldable smartphone is expected to be priced higher than the Pro Max lineup from the latest iPhones. This means it might easily become the most expensive iPhone ever launched.Some analysts suggest that the starting price can be between $1,800 and $2,500 globally. In India, this should go above Rs 1.8 lakh, depending on the import duties, taxes and the storage variants that will be available. However, no official confirmation has been received from Apple in this aspect yet.Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that you must knowWhen will Apple's foldable iPhone launch?Current reports suggest that Apple may unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in 2026. So, you will have the 18 variant series and these premium foldable phone options to choose from in 2026.Who is making the foldable display for Apple?Samsung Display is reportedly Apple's exclusive supplier of foldable OLED panels for the first-generation device. So, the biggest rivals are teaming up for this massive launch in the market of foldable phones.Has Apple started production of the foldable iPhone?Mass production of the device has not started yet, but reports indicate Foxconn could begin manufacturing by the end of July. However, there is no official announcement from the brand as of now.Will the foldable iPhone replace the iPhone Pro Max?Currently, there is no indication or confirmation in this regard. Most likely, this should be an additional premium offering instead of the replacement of any of the regular series variants.end of article