Apple is actively stocking up on its first foldable iPhone in preparation for launching the device next year. According to a Chinese whistleblower with inside information about Apple's supply chain, Apple is currently stocking up on key components including foldable OLED displays, titanium alloy frames, and complex hinge components made of multiple materials to prepare for mass production of the "iPhone Fold."
It is reported that Apple has entered an important pre-mass production stage, and suppliers are stepping up efforts to increase component production capacity to cope with future mass production. Due to long production cycles and high failure rates for some core components, Apple reserves them in advance to reduce risks and ensure the smooth launch of new products.
Apple's foldable iPhone is positioned as a "book-style" folding structure similar to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, rather than the "clamshell" design of Galaxy Z Flip. Users can use a 5.5-inch external screen when closed, and a 7.8-inch large screen close to the iPad style when unfolded. Sources say that the inner screen is nearly crease-free and there is an under-screen camera; the outer screen uses a punch-hole selfie camera, and Touch ID fingerprint recognition is integrated on the side of the fuselage instead of Face ID. The back of the fuselage is also equipped with dual cameras.
In terms of hardware, analyst Jeff Pu revealed that the frame of the new machine is made of a mixture of titanium and aluminum alloy. Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the main materials are titanium alloy and stainless steel, and some hinges also use Liquidmetal materials to improve durability. The thickness of the new phone is expected to be only 4.5 mm when unfolded, which is thinner than the current iPhone Air. Titanium material is further selected to prevent deformation.
The foldable iPhone, which has a more complex display and mechanical structure, shows Apple's accelerated layout in the supply chain and engineering manufacturing, indicating that the series may be released ahead of schedule. "iPhone Fold" is expected to be officially released in September 2026 as part of the iPhone 18 series.