Apple’s supply chain partners have been warned that mass production of “iPhone Fold” components could be pushed back if current production setbacks aren’t overcome, according to a report from Nikkei Asia.
The report says Apple’s supply chain has been warned of a potential mass production and shipment delay.
“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.”
The report was published just a few hours after a leaker claimed trial production had begun at Foxconn.
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.