Apple Realizes Foldables Are Difficult; First Foldable iPhone Faces Delays

Apple fans have been eagerly waiting for a foldable iPhone for several years, and this year was said to end the long wait. However, that expectation now seems doubtful. The Cupertino giant has reportedly hit setbacks in the engineering test phase for the foldable device, suggesting a possible delay in its launch.

The first iPhone fold may see launch delays as engineering challenges continue

Ever since Samsung debuted its first foldable smartphone in 2019, many believed Apple would eventually follow suit. However, we have yet to see the first foldable iPhone in the market, as development has taken longer than expected.

Apple reportedly planned to debut the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in September 2026. But this plan may now slip because the engineering challenges are more complex than Apple expected.

According to a report from Nikkei Asia, the component production schedule for the foldable iPhone may be pushed back. This could lead to delays in mass production and the product shipment schedule. As a result, the release timeline is now unclear, though an earlier report suggested Apple may begin selling the device in December 2026.

“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,” said a source familiar with the matter. “April will mark a crucial stage of the engineering verification test, and this month till early May is extremely critical.”

It is now becoming clear that Apple realizes it is not easy to make foldable smartphones. What once looked like a straight expansion of the iPhone lineup has become a more complex engineering challenge. Meanwhile, Samsung continues to expand its foldable lineup by introducing new models each year.

In fact, there are reports of four devices in the pipeline for 2026, with one said to be designed in response to Apple’s upcoming foldable. This device, tentatively called the Galaxy Z Wide Fold, could feature a 4:3 aspect ratio. It may boast a 7.6-inch inner screen and a 5.4-inch outer display.