Apple’s foldable iPhone is having “more problems than expected”, which may cause its release to be delayed nikki. According to multiple sources briefed on the matter, engineering problems reportedly surfaced during the early test production phase of the device and may delay the first shipments by months. However, in a separate report bloomberg contradicts the essence of nikkiClaims.
“The current situation could jeopardize the timelines of mass production,” one of nikkiSources said. “April will mark a critical phase of engineering validation testing, and this month through to early May is extremely important.” Component suppliers are believed to have been informed that the production schedule for the foldable iPhone will be delayed, and Apple is working to resolve the problems.
In a separate articlebloombergHowever, usually reliable Apple reporter Mark Gurman writes that the device is still on track for a September 2026 release. “The company is set to introduce a foldable model alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans have not been announced,” according to the report.
The complexity of the foldable iPhone’s display and other components “may limit initial supply by several weeks,” Gurman wrote, but Apple plans to put it on sale at the same time or shortly after other non-foldable devices. That said, the timing is not final and issues may arise even before production. Engadget has contacted Apple, but so far the company has declined to comment on the matter. bloomberg Or nikki Report.
A foldable iPhone has been rumored since 2017, and Apple’s biggest rival, Samsung, released its first iPhone in 2019. According to multiple sources, Apple was aiming to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026 with the iPhone 18. However, as we detailed in a explainer last month, “If Apple runs into manufacturing or durability issues, particularly around the hinge or display, the project could slide to 2027.”
Apple was reportedly prioritizing foldable iPhones and other premium models for the September event this year due to limited supply of components like memory chips. “Apple and the supply chain are working under a pressured timeline and existing solutions are not sufficient to fully solve the engineering challenge… more time is needed,” Nikkei’The source told.
The problems reportedly arose during Apple’s production verification tests. It is the fourth of six stages that a company’s new products must go through before shipping, major pilot production, and mass production stages. Since the foldable will be a completely new design, it will have to pass each stage with flying colors before moving on to the next stage.
Although its share of iPhone production is likely to be less than 10 percent, the foldable will be a key product for Apple designed to drive interest in its entire range of iPhones. Apple reportedly plans to produce seven to eight million devices initially, nikki Informed. Apple has not announced the device yet.
Updated April 7, 2026 at 3:02 pm ET:The article has been updated with information bloombergMark Gurman said that the foldable iPhone is still on schedule to launch in September 2026.
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