The upcoming Apple iPhone Fold has reportedly moved a step ahead to the engineering verification and pre-production (EVT) stage. Although it doesn’t mean the foldable phone is launching in a few weeks or months, it at least points out the phone is actually in the pipeline, and soon, we will get to see the final version of the product before it heads for the launch later next year.
Apple iPhone Fold reportedly enters EVT testing phase with 100 units
According to a report by UDN, a Chinese publication, Apple is building around 100 units of the upcoming iPhone Fold for EVT testing. This phase is crucial, as this is where the engineers verify if all the components are working as they were designed and if the phone can be reliably mass-produced. The report points out Apple was able to get rid of creases on its folding display, which happens to be a major selling point across the category.
iPhone Fold is slated to launch later next year, probably as iPhone (18) Ultra unless the Cupertino-based giant thinks the original moniker is befitting. The internal folding display is produced by Samsung, a major display supplier for Apple. In fact, Apple did most of the work on the material processing process and the laminated pressing method used on its foldable display. All this, and we could see no creases on the upcoming iPhone Fold, reportedly.
Foxconn has set up an express production line for the iPhone Fold and would be used to produce the EVT units initially, followed by the full-fledged market-ready units.
Eliminating the crease
The original Samsung Galaxy Fold had serious crease issues (apart from hinges) that were a PR nightmare. It could take Samsung ages to bring creases to a minimum gradually, and the same applies to other smartphone makers with their respective foldable phones.
With iPhone Fold, Apple is taking on the approach to eliminate creases on the folding display from the get-go. What it means is that Apple could have an edge thanks to its debut launch being with minimal to no creases. Apple has reportedly worked with Samsung on various iterations, rejecting many of the folding displays, before reaching the EVT stage, possibly with a far superior display on board.
Readying up for the big launch
Just as with any other foldable phone, Apple has contracted various suppliers for the components. One such is Largan Precision, which is supplying critical photography components such as hybrid glass/plastic lenses for its rear camera setup.
According to an analyst at Fubon Research, the upcoming Apple iPhone Fold could be priced at $2,399, ultimately making it the most expensive iPhone ever. We don’t think otherwise, though, given the novel folding tech Apple is coming up with, something that has been out of the syllabus for the Cupertino giant. However, there were reports that the pricing on-board iPhone Fold could be much lower. For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 has a price tag of $1,999.
Apple iPhone Fold is set to arrive next year, possibly with the iPhone 18 series in September 2026. It remains to be seen whether Apple names it iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra and whether the price tag exceeds the aforementioned $2,399 mark.
