Foldable iPhone: Opportunities and Challenges for Repair Businesses

According to multiple sources, Apple is reportedly working on a foldable iPhone, also referred to as the iPhone Fold. Although there is no official confirmation yet, several analysts point to a possible launch in 2026 or 2027. For mobile repair shops, this is the perfect time to look ahead: if the foldable iPhone does indeed arrive, it will bring both repair challenges and new opportunities.

When will the iPhone Fold be released?

According to analysts, Apple is expected to begin production in the second half of 2026. In the first year, around 8–10 million units are expected to be available, rising to more than 20 million in 2027. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the rumors are becoming increasingly concrete.

Comparison with previous iPhone generations

According to Barclays analysts, Apple sold around 89 million units of the iPhone 15 in its first year, significantly more than the approximately 78 million units of the iPhone 14. For the iPhone 16 analysts estimate production on a similar scale, at around 88–89 million units for the full year.

The lower numbers for the Fold make sense. It is a premium, technically complex device that Apple will likely test in smaller volumes first before moving to large-scale production.

Possible Specifications and Design

Leaks and rumors provide an interesting glimpse of the possible iPhone Fold:

• Design: a ‘book-style’ fold, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold
• Screens: 7.8-inch internal, 5.5-inch external
• Aspect ratio: 4:3 – ideal for multitasking and apps
• Materials: titanium casing with a robust hinge
• Thickness: approximately 4.5 mm when open and 9 mm when closed
• Security: no Face ID, but Touch ID integrated into the side button
• Battery: high-density technology for increased capacity

What does this mean for phone repair technicians?

If Apple takes the leap into foldable devices, repair technicians will need to take several factors into account:

• Displays: ultra-thin glass (UTG) is especially fragile and requires specialized tools.
• Hinges: sensitive to dust, wear, and mechanical defects.
• Battery: compact modules make replacement more challenging.
• Biometrics: Touch ID integrated into the side button requires new calibration procedures.

In addition to repairs, there is also an opportunity in offering accessories. A foldable iPhone requires extra protection, such as specially designed cases, screen protectors for ultra-thin glass (UTG), and hinge protectors. 

Maintenance products like microfiber cloths and dust-free sprays are also valuable, as hinges and flexible screens are more prone to dirt and scratches. Repair shops can position themselves not only as service centers for repairs but also as experts in providing the right accessories for foldable phones.

New Opportunities for Repair Shops

Repairing a foldable iPhone is more complex, but that complexity can create new opportunities:

• Position yourself as a specialist in foldable iPhone repairs.
• Offer maintenance services such as hinge inspections and cleaning.
• Invest now in training and tools to stay ahead of the competition.

Essential Tools for Foldable Phone Repairs

Heatgun to precisely regulate temperature so that the adhesive holding the screen and other internal components softens, without damaging the ultra-thin glass (UTG), flexible display, or sensitive parts. A heat gun allows controlled application of heat to specific areas of the frame, making it much safer to remove the screen. This prevents scratches, cracks, or breaks, and enables repair steps to be carried out without risking damage to the display or internal modules.

Soft-tip tweezers to carefully grasp and temporarily set aside small internal components, cables, or connectors. This ensures that the ultra-thin glass (UTG), flexible display, and other delicate parts are not damaged. Soft-tip tweezers allow precise and controlled work, even with very small connectors or fragile cables, preventing components from bending or breaking during the repair process.

Spudgers to carefully pry the flexible screen away from the frame, remove adhesive residue, and disconnect cables without causing scratches or cracks. Spudgers are ideal for safely accessing hard-to-reach corners and seams, allowing technicians to remove the screen step by step. Using proper spudger techniques helps keep internal components undamaged, significantly reducing the risk of defects during repair.

Precision screwdrivers to carefully loosen and tighten the very small screws of the hinge, frame, and internal modules of the iPhone Fold. Precision screwdrivers allow technicians to work in a controlled manner without slipping or damaging screw heads, which is crucial when assembling components. This tool enables accurate repairs, ensuring that both the flexible screen and internal components remain completely safe.

ESD-safe tools to protect sensitive electronics from damage caused by static electricity when opening and repairing the iPhone Fold or other foldable phones. Using ESD-safe mats,  ESD gloves helps prevent short circuits or damage to chips and sensors, keeping internal components completely intact. This is essential for any professional smartphone repair process.

Pry tools to carefully lift the UTG screen or casing, open seams, loosen adhesive, and safely disconnect cables. Pry tools allow the screen to be removed step by step without causing scratches, cracks, or other damage to the flexible display or internal components. This tool provides precision in hard-to-reach corners and narrow seams, ensuring that repairs are carried out safely and in a controlled manner.

The tools mentioned above are not only suitable for the iPhone Fold but also for other foldable smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, Huawei Mate X, Oppo Find N, and future foldable devices from various brands.

Conclusion

Although the arrival of the foldable iPhone has not been officially confirmed, the rumors point to a significant shift in the mobile device landscape. For repair businesses, this means forward-thinking is crucial: it requires new knowledge, specialized tools, and adapted repair processes. At the same time, it offers opportunities to stand out as an expert in iPhone Fold repairs and to offer premium services. By investing now in training and preparation, repair shops can be ready to fully capitalize on this new device.

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