JAKARTA - Apple's ambitious plans to enter the foldable phone market are facing obstacles. The latest report says that the development of the iPhone Fold has encountered serious obstacles in the early production test phase, opening up the possibility of a delay in the launch schedule that was previously expected to occur in 2026.
According to a supply chain source quoted by Asian media, Apple has warned its production partners that the mass production process of the iPhone Fold components could be delayed if the current technical problems are not resolved immediately.
"More problems than expected have emerged during the initial production test phase, and it takes additional time to resolve them and make adjustments," said one of the sources familiar with the situation. "April to early May is a crucial phase."
This issue emerged amid expectations that the iPhone Fold would be one of Apple's most revolutionary products since the launch of the first iPhone. However, the reality on the ground shows that foldable technology still has complex challenges - from screen durability, hinge mechanisms, to large-scale production efficiency.
Apple previously reportedly targeted production of around 7 to 8 million units of the iPhone Fold, or less than 10% of total iPhone production in 2026. This figure reflects Apple's cautious approach to the foldable market, which is still considered a niche, even though it has been pioneered since 2019 by competitors such as Samsung.
On the other hand, the report also mentions that the engineering verification test (EVT) phase is underway, with the results determining whether this device is ready to enter the mass production phase or should be delayed for longer.
If the obstacles are not resolved in the near future, the delay could last months - potentially even shifting the launch schedule from Apple's traditional pattern in September. In the worst-case scenario, the launch of the iPhone Fold could be delayed until the end of the year or even canceled entirely.
This situation puts Apple in a difficult position. The strategy of launching iPhones has always relied heavily on the momentum of the fall season, with the Pro line as the main driver of sales. The presence of the iPhone Fold is believed to be part of a major strategy to drive premium segment growth.
However, without production certainty, Apple must reconsider its product roadmap - including the possibility of delaying announcements to maintain supply consistency and quality.
In the midst of the hype that has been going on for years, the absence of the iPhone Fold in 2026 could be a blow to market expectations. But on the other hand, Apple is known to not be in a hurry to release new products - preferring to wait until the technology is really mature.
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