Rumors surrounding Apple’s long-awaited iPhone Fold are heating up again — and this time, signs suggest the company may be moving closer to production.
According to a new report from Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, Apple isn’t just placing component orders — it’s allegedly stockpiling parts in preparation for manufacturing. The information reportedly comes from multiple supply chain sources, though the leaker cautiously notes that Apple is merely suspected to be building inventory at this stage.
If accurate, it would indicate that Apple’s first foldable iPhone — long rumored to launch in 2026 — could indeed be entering an advanced phase of development. The leaker added that the foldable “is getting closer and closer,” suggesting Apple may be gearing up for a potential production ramp.
Speculation about a foldable iPhone has circulated since at least 2018, but reports in recent months have increasingly aligned around a 2026 release window. However, there have also been conflicting signals about Apple’s progress.
Notably, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently claimed that the hinge mechanism for the iPhone Fold might end up being less expensive than initially anticipated — a good sign for Apple’s supply chain. On the other hand, a report from Mizuho Securities in Japan alleged that hinge-related design challenges persist, possibly delaying the device’s debut to 2027.
Neither Mizuho Securities nor Fixed Focus Digital has an extensive track record with Apple leaks, and interestingly, the same leaker previously claimed in 2024 that Apple had abandoned the foldable project altogether. However, Fixed Focus Digital has been right before, notably about details concerning the iPhone 16e.
For now, nothing is confirmed — but if Apple is truly stockpiling components, the long-anticipated iPhone Fold may finally be inching toward reality.
