Apple’s foldable iPhone may be delayed due to engineering snags

Apple encountered ‘more problems than expected’ with its foldable iPhone, which could delay its release, says Nikkei. The technical problems appeared during the device’s early production testing phases and could delay the first shipments by several months, according to several sources briefed on the matter.

“The current situation could jeopardize the mass production schedule,” one of the sources said. “April will mark a crucial milestone in technical verification testing, and this month through early May will be extremely critical.” Component suppliers have reportedly been informed that the production schedule for the foldable iPhone will be delayed, and Apple is working to resolve the issues.

Rumors have been circulating about a foldable iPhone since 2017, and Apple’s biggest rival, Samsung, released its first in 2019. According to multiple sources, Apple aimed to launch its first foldable iPhone in fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18. However, as we detailed in an explainer last month, “the project could slide to 2027 if Apple encounters manufacturing or durability issues, particularly around the hinge or the screen”.

Apple has reportedly prioritized the foldable iPhone and other high-end models for its September event this year due to limited supplies of components such as memory chips. However, engineering issues with the foldable could derail those plans. “Apple and the supply chain are working under tight deadlines and current solutions are not enough to completely solve the technical challenge…more time is needed,” the Nikkei source said.

The problems reportedly arose during Apple’s production verification tests. This is the fourth of six stages that the company’s new products must pass before shipping, before the key phases of pilot production and mass production. Since the foldable would be a completely new design, it would have to pass each stage with flying colors before moving on to the next one.

Although it will likely represent less than 10% of iPhone production, the foldable will be a key product for Apple, designed to drive interest in iPhones across its lineup. Apple reportedly plans to produce seven to eight million devices initially, Nikkei reported. Apple has yet to officially announce the device and declined to comment on the reported engineering issues.