Apple has reportedly run into complex engineering problems as it races to complete work on the first folding iPhone. The complications could derail the company’s mass production plans and, eventually, the device’s shipment schedule.
While Apple often runs into early manufacturing hurdles, it usually resolves them in time for planned releases. With its first foldable, things might not be so straightforward, according to a Monday report from Nikkei Asia.
However, Bloomberg pushed back Tuesday on the notion that the folding iPhone won’t launch on time.
Apple’s foldable ambitions face early setbacks
The form factor of the folding iPhone, which some predict will be called the “iPhone Fold,” introduces a new layer of complexity for Apple’s engineering team. From hinge durability and display creasing to internal component layout, there are multiple variables at play.
Even though Apple is entering the foldable market later than its rivals, this is still its first attempt at manufacturing such a device. So, ironing out these challenges could take longer than usual.
A Nikkei Asia report, citing sources from Apple’s supply chain, says the engineering problems could delay the foldable iPhone’s launch by months.
“More issues than expected have emerged during the early test production phase, and additional time will be needed to resolve them and make necessary adjustments,” says one of the sources.
A “crucial” engineering verification test in April will decide on the progress made.
The complexity of the technical problems mean they are taking longer than anticipated to resolve. Due to this, Apple reportedly informed its component suppliers about a possible change in the iPhone Fold’s production timeline.
Coincidentally, the Nikkei Asia report comes within hours of a Chinese leaker claiming that the iPhone Fold already entered mass production.
Foldable iPhone delays could disrupt Apple’s roadmap
Previous rumors suggest Apple will only launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone this September. In that scenario, the base iPhone 18 and a possible iPhone Air 2 would arrive in early 2027. Apple supposedly plans to split the launch timeline to give the foldable iPhone more time in the marketing spotlight.
Obviously, if the foldable’s launch gets delayed, it would jeopardize Apple’s launch plans. It might even force Apple to reshuffle its entire lineup or merge the release timelines.
We originally published this story about possible delays in the first folding iPhone at 12:37 a.m. on April 7. We updated the post with additional information.
Rajesh has been writing about consumer technology for over a decade, with a strong focus on iPhones, Macs and Apple’s ecosystem. He enjoys digging into Apple software updates, hardware changes, and discovering new Mac apps that make work faster and more enjoyable.
