Forget the iPhone 18: Apple's iPhone Fold is finally coming, and it just hit a huge milestone

For more than a decade, rumors have swirled around a potential foldable iPhone, and a new rumor suggests that it's finally a reality.

Apple is finally expected to launch the iPhone Fold this fall, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, or potentially in early winter. According to tipster Instant Digital (translated via Weibo), the long-time Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn just started production of the iPhone Fold.

Specifically, they said the Fold has begun trial production. This step in the manufacturing process is an initial test in which a batch of devices is developed under real or near-real conditions.

This means that most, if not all, of the specifications for the Fold have been finalized, and Apple employees should begin receiving test units for marketing and testing.

What's next?

Looking ahead, why is this important?

Those of you tracking the iPhone Fold should expect to see more leaks and photos of working iPhone Folds start appearing in the next few weeks. Traditionally, trial production runs often lead to all kinds of device leaks as phones make their way into employees' hands.

It also means that we should start getting more specific information about the Fold and what Apple is including with the phone. Apple runs a tighter ship than most companies, but even the biggest phone maker is plagued by internal leaks.

iPhone Fold possible release date

The iPhone Fold was rumored to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, but recent rumors suggest Apple will hold a separate launch event in December.

Analysts have suggested that the iPhone Fold could debut at around $2,000, the same price Samsung charges for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. With reports that the Apple foldable will upend the folding phone market.

While we wait, expect more to leak in the coming weeks and months.

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