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Apple’s Foldable iPhone Faces Split Reports on Timing as Trial Production Begins

Conflicting reports leave Apple’s foldable timeline hinging on tests now underway.

Overview

  • Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Apple still plans a September debut with sales near the iPhone 18 Pro window, contradicting Nikkei Asia’s warning of a possible months‑long delay.
  • Foxconn has started trial builds and suppliers describe a July target for mass production if engineering verification clears remaining hurdles.
  • Multiple supply‑chain sources say test runs uncovered tougher hinge and display issues, and some vendors were told their parts schedules may slip if fixes take longer.
  • New “dummy” models show a squat, passport‑style device with a 5.5‑inch outer screen and a 7.8‑inch inner screen, dual rear cameras, and reports point to side‑button Touch ID and a possible lack of MagSafe.
  • Early estimates suggest about 7 to 8 million units at launch and pricing around $2,000, which signals tight early supply and a high‑end push that could lift overall foldable phone sales.