Based on the Nikkei Shimbun, Apple has encountered “extra issues than anticipated” with its foldable iPhone, probably delaying its launch. The technical concern reportedly occurred throughout the system’s early take a look at manufacturing part and will delay preliminary shipments by a number of months, in line with individuals briefed on the matter. Nevertheless, one other report from Bloomberg refutes the gist of the Nikkei Shimbun’s claims.
“The present scenario may put the mass manufacturing schedule in danger,” mentioned one Nikkei newspaper supply. “April can be a important part of know-how validation testing, and this month by way of early Could can be important.” Element suppliers have reportedly been notified that manufacturing schedules for the foldable iPhone can be delayed, and Apple is working to resolve the problem.
Nevertheless, in a separate article for Bloomberg, the normally dependable Apple reporter Mark Garman wrote that the system continues to be on observe for a September 2026 launch. “The corporate plans to launch the foldable mannequin in September alongside the iPhone 18 Professional and Professional Max,” mentioned the individuals, who requested anonymity as a result of plans haven’t been introduced.
The complexity of the foldable iPhone’s show and different elements may “restrict preliminary provide for a number of weeks,” however Apple plans to launch it concurrently different non-foldable units or quickly after, Garman wrote. Nevertheless, that timing shouldn’t be closing, and points might come up previous to manufacturing. Engadget has reached out to Apple, however the firm has to date declined to touch upon the Bloomberg and Nikkei studies.
Rumors of a foldable iPhone have been round since 2017, and Apple’s largest rival Samsung launched its first iPhone in 2019. Apple was aiming to launch its debut foldable iPhone within the fall of 2026, together with the iPhone 18, in line with a number of sources. Nevertheless, as detailed in final month’s briefing, “If Apple runs into manufacturing or sturdiness points, notably across the hinge or show, the venture might be pushed again to 2027.”
Apple is reportedly prioritizing foldable iPhones and different premium fashions for this September occasion as a result of restricted provides of elements resembling reminiscence chips. “Apple and the provision chain are working below a good schedule and present options should not enough to completely resolve the engineering challenges…extra time is required,” Nikkei sources mentioned.
The issue reportedly occurred throughout Apple’s product validation testing. That is the fourth of six steps that the corporate’s new merchandise should undergo earlier than delivery, key pilot manufacturing and mass manufacturing phases. The foldable can be a very new design, so you may have to efficiently go every stage earlier than transferring on to the following.
Though it should possible account for lower than 10% of iPhone manufacturing, the foldable system can be an essential product for Apple because it goals to extend curiosity within the iPhone throughout its merchandise. The Nikkei Shimbun reported that Apple initially plans to supply 7 million to eight million units. Apple has not introduced this system but.
Up to date April 7, 2026, 3:02 p.m. ET: The article has been up to date with info from Bloomberg’s Mark Garman, stating that the foldable iPhone continues to be scheduled to launch in September 2026.
