Apple Foldable iPhone Faces Engineering Setbacks, Potential Delays

Apple's first foldable iPhone is reportedly encountering setbacks during its engineering test phase, which could delay its mass production and product shipment schedule. Nikkei Asia reported these issues, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Credit: APPLE

Engineering development problems might push back the first shipments of the foldable iPhones by months in a worst-case scenario, according to the Nikkei report. One source stated, "It's true that 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."

Conversely, Bloomberg News reported that Apple remains on track to release its first foldable iPhone in Sept., alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. However, Bloomberg noted this timing is not final, as the release is still nearly six months away and production has not fully ramped up yet.

Reuters could not independently verify these reports. Apple shares were down 2.7% in afternoon trading, having fallen as much as 5.1% earlier in the day.

Nikkei had previously reported in Jan. that Apple would prioritise its first foldable iPhone and two non-folding models. These non-folding models feature upgraded cameras and larger displays for a flagship launch in the second half of 2026.

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• Apple's foldable iPhone development faces engineering setbacks, potentially delaying shipments.

• In a worst-case scenario, first shipments of the foldable iPhones could be delayed by months.

• Bloomberg News reported Apple is still on track for a Sept. release, despite reported issues.

Source: REUTERS