The foldable iPhone was supposed to launch in late 2026, according to Apple's plans. However, a report from Korea's Alpha Biz (via Digitimes ) says that Apple's foldable iPhone (or foldable iPad) will be delayed until 2027.

A concept of Apple's foldable iPhone. Photo: 4RMD

Accordingly, Apple is struggling with wrinkles caused by folding screens, something that all foldable screen smartphones (so far) have encountered to varying degrees.

In addition, the report also said that Apple is implementing personnel changes to solve this problem. The bitten Apple has transferred engineers who worked on the Vision Pro project to the foldable device team. This is considered a solution to solve the "difficult" technical problem in the folding screen stage, because Vision Pro has been fully launched and the engineers there can perform better in the foldable device team.

Many iFans are still expecting a foldable iPhone from Apple. Photo: 4RMD's foldable iPhone concept

Although Samsung is leading the foldable smartphone segment, many in the tech industry won't take foldable smartphones seriously until Apple enters the "game."

Reports that Apple is forced to delay the launch of the foldable iPhone may make competitors Samsung, Google, and OnePlus breathe a sigh of relief because at least for the next 2 years they will not have to compete with Apple's products in the foldable phone segment.

While industry speculation points to Apple developing a clamshell-style foldable iPhone like the Galaxy Flip, it’s also possible that the company is working on a book-style foldable iPhone like the Galaxy Fold. It could look like an iPhone when folded but like an iPad Mini when unfolded.

However, there's no confirmation yet whether Apple's foldable device will launch as an iPhone, iPad, or something else entirely.

Previously, a report from The Information in early February 2024 said that Apple had built at least 2 prototypes of foldable screen iPhones after more than 5 years of research and development.

These two iPhone prototypes feature a clamshell folding design, but it is not on Apple's roadmap for new product introductions in 2024 or 2025. The report further notes that the foldable iPhones could still be canceled if they do not meet Apple's strict standards.

Additionally, a source from MacRumors revealed earlier this year that Apple had halted its foldable iPhone development project due to strict display requirements that had not been met by its partners.

CEO Tim Cook first talked to Apple engineers and designers about a foldable iPhone years ago, but Apple has been weighing the technical issues and the high price tag.

See the iPhone Flip concept in 4RMD's video :

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