Apple’s iPhone Fold might debut at the September launch event after all

After years of rumors and leaks, Apple’s iPhone Fold is finally inching closer to a launch, and according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, arguably the most reliable Apple oracle, the foldable is on track for a September 2026 debut. 

Earlier this week, Nikkei Asia raised eyebrows by flagging development snags with the iPhone Fold, particularly during testing. Gurman, however, pushes back, reporting that despite the device’s complex design, Apple remains committed to its September launch window. 

Is the iPhone Fold’s launch on track?

The supply at launch might be tighter than for other iPhones, but the launch timeline itself stands. Does that mean that the purported iPhone Fold will be available to purchase alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026? It doesn’t seem so. 

While Apple intends to reveal or showcase the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max in September this year, shipping may follow later. In his newsletter, Gurman drew a parallel between the rumored foldable and the iPhone X. 

When will Apple chip the iPhone Fold?

Apple announced the revolutionary iPhone X in September 2007, but deliveries began in November. The Fold, at least for now, could follow a similar path, potentially hitting hands as late as December this year. 

In exchange for the long wait, buyers could get a book-style foldable that unfolds from a 5.5-inch outer screen to a 7.8-inch inner screen that mimics the aspect ratio and look of the iPad mini, has a 4.5-4.8 mm side profile, runs on a new Apple chip, and has a dual-rear-facing camera array. 

Pricing, however, is the most sensitive aspect of the iPhone Fold, which, in my opinion, can make or break the company’s product lineup. For now, the general consensus on the internet points toward a starting price of over $2,000 for the baseline variant.