A new DigiTimes report claims production of Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone is behind schedule, but the foldable handset is still on track for a fall 2026 launch. The report says production has fallen behind by “roughly one to two months,” although Apple has not informed suppliers of any launch delays.
While Apple had planned to begin mass production of the foldable iPhone by June 2026, it is now believed that target date has slipped to August. We reported earlier this month that mass production of “iPhone Fold” components could be pushed back if current production setbacks weren’t overcome.
“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. … The current situation could put the mass production timeline at risk,” one of the people familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia. “April will mark a crucial stage of the engineering verification test, and this month till early May is extremely critical.”
However, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said the iPhone Fold remains on track to launch “around the same time” or “soon after” the iPhone 18 Pro models expected to launch in September 2026.
The DigiTimes report indicates that while there is indeed a delay in the test phase, Apple may be able to make up lost ground during the mass production phase. However, the iPhone Fold will still need to go through Design Validation Testing and Production Validation Testing.
Apple is reportedly aiming to produce 7 million to 8 million iPhone Folds, less than 10% of Apple’s planned production volume for 2026.
If Apple is unable to overcome production issues, it could delay mass production and shipments of the foldable device for months. Previous reports had indicated that while the “iPhone Fold” may be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September, they actual release of the new device may be delayed until October, a lengthier delay may take the device out of Apple’s profitable holiday sales quarter
Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to sport a 5.5-inch outer display, with a iPad-style 4:3 aspect ratio 7.8-inch display when unfolded. The device is said to have a 4.5mm titanium frame, Touch ID, and a starting price of approximately $2,000 – $2,500.