Apple's foldable iPhone launch may be pushed to 2027

Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone, rumored for a late 2024 release, might face a significant delay, potentially pushing its launch to early 2027. Reports from component manufacturers in China and Taiwan suggest a shift in production schedules, with some new products slated for the third quarter of 2024 and others postponed.

Specifically, a report from Taiwan's United Daily News (UDN) cited comments from Lin En-ping, CEO of Largan Precision, a smartphone lens manufacturer. During a recent earnings call, Lin mentioned that the fourth quarter would be busier than usual due to "major customer product launch schedule changes." He added, "Some new products are scheduled for Q3 launch, and other products are scheduled for early 2027."

Industry observers widely believe that Apple is the "major customer" referred to by Lin. The products expected in Q3 are likely the iPhone 18 Pro series, while the foldable iPhone is the probable candidate for the 2027 delay. Shin Zu Shing, a supplier of hinge components for the foldable device, has also indicated that Apple has not yet finalized the launch schedule.

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The fourth quarter is expected to be busier than usual due to major customer product launch schedule changes. Some new products are scheduled for Q3 launch, and other products are scheduled for early 2027.

This is not the first time a delay has been suggested. In April, Nikkei Asia reported that Apple might postpone component supply schedules due to technical challenges in developing the foldable iPhone. However, some analysts, like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, believe the launch might only be delayed by one to two months, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in September. This strategy could prevent the foldable model from cannibalizing sales of the new Pro iPhones, similar to how the iPhone X was released two months after the iPhone 8 in 2017.

Despite potential delays, the market anticipates the foldable iPhone's launch will significantly boost the foldable phone sector. IDC forecasts a 30% year-on-year growth in global foldable phone shipments by 2026, viewing Apple's entry as a potential turning point for the market.

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Apple's entry will be a turning point for the foldable phone market.