Apple struggles to launch foldable iPhone amid testing failures

Apple’s long-anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market is facing setbacks before the product has even reached store shelves.

The company has encountered issues during the engineering test phase of its first foldable iPhone, potentially delaying mass production and its planned shipment timeline, Nikkei Asia first reported on April 6, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Although Apple has not officially confirmed any delay—and has previously navigated supply chain disruptions successfully—its shares fell about 2.85% following the report.

“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 source familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia.

A second source underscored the urgency of the situation. “April will mark a crucial stage of the engineering verification test, and this month till early May is extremely critical,” the source said.

Some component suppliers have already been notified that production schedules may be pushed back. While Apple and its partners are working to address the issues, an article by The Street warns that any delay could disrupt the company’s broader marketing strategy for the highly anticipated device.

The challenges largely stem from technical hurdles that have long affected the foldable smartphone segment, including hinge durability, display resilience under repeated folding, and the integration of components such as batteries, cameras, and sensors into an ultra-thin design. Apple has reportedly been developing a dual-layer glass system to reduce the visible crease—a problem that has affected all foldable devices to date.

Apple’s absence from the foldable segment has been notable. Samsung launched its first foldable smartphone in 2019 and has since iterated on the design across multiple generations, while Google and Huawei have also established strong positions in the market.

Each delay to Apple’s entry gives competitors additional time to capture consumers who might otherwise wait for an iPhone alternative.

In a worst-case scenario, shipments of the first foldable iPhone could be delayed by several months. The device is currently in the production verification phase—the fourth of six stages Apple completes before launching a product—according to Apple Insider.

Earlier reports from Nikkei indicated that Apple planned to unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside two non-folding models with upgraded cameras and larger displays in the second half of 2026. That timeline is now uncertain.

Apple had reportedly targeted production of 7 to 8 million foldable units, accounting for less than 10% of its total planned iPhone output for 2026. The device is expected to carry a price tag of up to $2,400, as estimated by industry experts.

By Nazrin Sadigova