Apple fold delayed: iphone 18 series launch pushes back next-gen device
Apple's highly anticipated iPhone Fold is likely to arrive later than initially expected, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The foldable device, touted as the company's most expensive iPhone yet with a potential starting price exceeding $2,000, will now follow the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September.
Foldable iphone to arrive after september launch
Gurman, known for his deep insights into Apple's product roadmap, confirmed the delay during a recent Q&A session. He stated there's “no doubt” the iPhone Fold will be released a few months after the September release of the next-generation iPhones. This shift contrasts with earlier speculation suggesting a closer release timeframe.
The complexity of manufacturing the foldable internal display is cited as the primary reason for the delay. This mirrors past Apple product launches, such as the iPhone X, which was delayed until November 2017 due to challenges in producing the OLED display and Face ID Technology.
Interestingly, the iPhone Fold will initially forgo Face ID, opting instead for a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, similar to the iPad Air. Gurman believes Face ID integration is achievable within a couple of years.
Wwdc to highlight new siri chatbot
Beyond the foldable phone, Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026, scheduled for the week of June 8th, is expected to showcase a significant upgrade to Siri. This new chatbot, slated for release with iOS 27, is positioned as a direct competitor to AI platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. Gurman highlighted the continued user loyalty to iOS, noting that many iPhone users are hesitant to switch to Android due to the difficulty of migrating data, particularly group chats.
The focus on a creaseless internal screen suggests a strong emphasis on video consumption and gaming experiences. Gurman expressed considerable enthusiasm for the iPhone Fold’s potential to bolster Apple's financial performance, a key consideration given the premium price point. The decision to delay the foldable device isn't a setback, but rather a pragmatic acknowledgment of the engineering hurdles inherent in pioneering a new form factor.
The industry is watching closely to see if Apple can successfully navigate the challenges of foldable Technology and maintain its position as a leader in mobile innovation.