Samsung's biggest foldable threat of 2027 might have some problems

Apple has been fashionably late to the foldable phone party as it's yet to come out with a foldable iPhone. There appears to be consensus among the media and analysts that this may finally happen in 2026, though a bit later than everyone expected.

Previous reports have suggested that the first foldable iPhone may be launched around the same time as Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Wide Fold. At least one analyst believes that this may not be the case.

In a note to investors, Barclays analyst Tim Long highlights the possibility that Apple's first foldable iPhone may not arrive until December this year. If true, this would put the launch three months later than the expected September 2026 window.

Long points at various issues in the supply chain that may necessitate a delay to the end of this year. There could be a variety of reasons behind the issues. For example, memory and component supply is constrained, and the situation doesn't seem to be getting any better.

If the indicated launch window is accurate, it may provide Samsung's new foldables some breathing space after their launch in July or August this year. They wouldn't have to go up with a competitor from Apple no less soon after their launch.

Analyst predictions aren't gospel, though, so it's entirely likely that Apple sticks to the September time frame and launches its first foldable iPhone then. All we can do at this stage is just wait and watch.