New Delhi: Apple has quietly kicked off production on a foldable iPhone prototype, with fresh reports pointing to a possible 2026 release. The device, currently known as the P1 (Prototype 1), entered the trial production phase in June 2025, according to a DigiTimes report cited by tipster @Jukanrosleve on X.
After years of speculation, it looks like Apple might finally join the foldable phone race. The device has reportedly been through more than a dozen internal revisions over five years. But this time, the process seems to be moving into more serious development and testing stages. The foldable iPhone is expected to be called the iPhone Ultra.
From prototype to product: Apple’s foldable journey
According to the report, the current P1 prototype is just the first in a series of steps before a full launch. Apple typically moves through P1, P2, and P3 development phases, followed by EVT (Engineering Verification Test), DVT (Design Verification Test), and MP (Mass Production) stages. Each of these stages helps Apple fine-tune the product and fix any yield or production issues before a large-scale rollout.
Sources told DigiTimes that the foldable iPhone will likely enter EVT next year, with the official launch timeline pointing to the second half of 2026. The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a crease-free 7.74-inch display, a new kind of durable hinge made from what’s being called “liquid metal,” and dual 48MP cameras.
The supply chain is cautiously optimistic. Some vendors say the project now “has the chance” to reach the market, but many are still waiting for more certainty before committing major resources.
Foldable iPad plans reportedly paused
Interestingly, Apple was also said to be working on a larger foldable iPad. But that idea appears to be temporarily shelved. The company seems to be putting all its focus on the foldable iPhone Ultra first.
If everything goes to plan, the iPhone Ultra will head into trial production with partners like Foxconn and Pegatron, who usually take over assembly during P2 and P3 phases. These phases last around two months, giving engineers time to check for hardware issues and test how well the product holds up in the real world.
Taking on Samsung’s foldable dominance
Apple is entering a space where Samsung has already launched multiple generations of foldable phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series. Samsung is also planning a triple-folding Galaxy G Fold later this year.
But Apple’s entry could shake things up. The Ultra is said to be built with a structure 2.5 times harder than titanium and will sport a stainless-steel-like look.
Still, nothing is guaranteed. Even with a polished prototype and a strong supply chain, Apple’s final decision will depend on how the next few testing phases go.
For now, the foldable iPhone Ultra is in the works. And if all goes well, we might see it hit stores sometime in 2026. But as with all things Apple, they’ll launch only when they’re confident it’s ready.