Apple's First Foldable iPhone Could Miss 2026 Launch Window Amid Design Setbacks

Rumors surrounding a foldable iPhone have been percolating for several years, and the company initially looked to be on track to finally deliver its take on the concept later this year. However, as Samsung learned during the early days of its foldable devices, it’s a concept fraught with engineering challenges. It’s a lesson Apple is now learning according to Nikkei, which has revealed the company may have to delay its plans by several months.

The claims Apple has encountered an unexpected number of issues as the foldable iPhone has entered “a crucial stage of the engineering verification test, and this month till early may is extremely critical" before heading into mass production. A source familiar with the situation shared that "the current situation could put the mass production timeline at risk.”

Several of the company’s manufacturing partners were informed of a delay to the production schedule thanks ...