According to multiple reports, Apple's first foldable screen phone iPhone Fold is currently encountering engineering problems in the early testing phase. The core sticking point is the hinge design. Related difficulties may disrupt the original release rhythm and even delay the launch time to 2027. According to sources, Apple is conducting engineering verification tests on this device, but technical problems exposed during the trial production phase are more complex than expected, and the supply chain has been informed that production arrangements may need to be postponed.
The report pointed out that Apple has adopted new manufacturing solutions for the folding mechanism, including 3D printed titanium alloy, and is also evaluating material options such as liquid metal, with the aim of controlling costs while improving durability and minimizing screen creases. However, the latest rumors show that the hinge may have insufficient reliability and durability after repeated opening and closing, and may even be accompanied by obvious abnormal noise, which makes it difficult for Apple to pass internal quality standards.
Judging from the timeline, Apple was originally thought to have a chance to launch this product in 2026, but current progress has made this plan full of variables. It is reported that if the engineering problems continue to be unresolved, Apple may postpone the mass production and official release as a whole, and relevant suppliers are also cooperating to adjust the production scheduling window. Another report mentioned that Apple has not yet fully finalized the design and specifications, and the hinge is one of the key components slowing down progress.
This model is generally regarded as Apple's important entry into the folding screen field, so the company is particularly cautious about the stability of the first-generation product. The current core conflict is not "whether a foldable screen can be made", but whether the hinge is reliable enough, whether there will be structural problems in long-term use, and whether these problems can be completely solved before official mass production. Since Apple always attaches great importance to the completion of its first products, if the engineering team cannot eliminate hidden dangers on time, postponing the release will become a more realistic option.