Bad news about foldable iPhones.

The development process for the foldable iPhone has encountered numerous technical obstacles, which could prevent the product from being released on schedule.

Rendered images of a foldable iPhone are based on rumors. Photo: Jon Prosser .

According to Nikkei , testing of the foldable iPhone is encountering some obstacles. This could lead to delays in production and delivery schedules.

The technical issues in the development of the foldable iPhone are complex and taking longer to resolve than Apple anticipated. In the worst-case scenario, the first devices could reach users several months late.

Some component suppliers have been notified of potential delays in the production of foldable iPhones. Currently, Apple and its partners are still working to resolve the issue. Delaying the launch date could jeopardize the company's marketing plans.

"It's true that more problems have arisen than expected during the initial trial production phase, and more time will be needed to address and adjust them," a source close to the matter said.

April is considered a crucial month as the foldable iPhone enters the technical verification phase. Whether the device will be ready for release on schedule will depend on the process from April to early May.

Based on rumors, Apple will adjust its iPhone launch strategy, delaying the introduction of the standard line to early next year. This move aims to prioritize high-end models and better allocate the supply of memory chips and other critical components.

Another source reiterated that the risk of the foldable iPhone being delayed is not due to component shortages, but rather to technical challenges.

"Apple and its supply chain are working under time pressure. Current solutions cannot fully address the technical challenges; more time is needed," the person added.

Every iPhone must go through a series of rigorous testing and verification processes to be launched on schedule at the end of the year. These stages include new product introduction, technical verification, development verification, production verification, trial production, and mass production.

The various verification stages require large numbers of test devices, ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands. This allows Apple and its suppliers to detect technical issues and refine processes to ensure tens of millions of devices are manufactured smoothly.

The foldable iPhone design is based on rumors. Photo: Jon Prosser .

A survey by Nikkei of industry managers and market experts indicates that Apple expects to produce 7-8 million foldable iPhones in the initial phase. Apple has high expectations for this year's iPhone launch, especially the foldable iPhone.

Initially, foldable iPhones accounted for less than 10% of total production volume. Despite the low proportion, the supply chain expected the product to sell well. Implementing the new design required significant investment in equipment, machinery, and components, thereby leading to higher profits.

Many partners expect the foldable iPhone to become a catalyst for the entire foldable smartphone market, encouraging users to move to the premium segment. For comparison, Samsung and Huawei, two major competitors in this segment, have been showcasing foldable phones since 2019.

Data from IDC forecasts that foldable smartphone sales could increase by 30% in 2026, primarily driven by the launch of the foldable iPhone. Last year, the foldable smartphone market recorded sales of 20.6 million units, an increase of approximately 10% compared to 2024.

Source: https://znews.vn/tin-buon-ve-iphone-gap-post1641662.html