The heavily rumoured foldable iPhone which was expected to be released in September alongside the iPhone 18 line up may be pushed back to 2027 after running onto production and testing delays.
According to reports from Nikkei Asia, the new iPhone Fold has run into engineering problems during its early test production phase.
These issues are taking longer to resolve than the company anticipated.
Tech Guide 3D printed the mock-up based on the rumoured dimensions. It has a passport shape with a shorter and wider front screen and larger internal display.
Well know leaker Sonny Dickson shared images of the first mock ups of the entire new iPhone range and the foldable design matches the passport look we expected.
There were reports the foldable iPhone was set for a staggered launch later than the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro but it appears that delay may be even longer and slip into early 2027.
The Nikkei Asia report says component suppliers have been told production may need to be delayed which may be a sign that Apple is adjusting its release schedule.
This is the first time Apple has produced a foldable iPhone and the reports indicate there have been issues with the engineering development, which have turned out to be more complicated than expected.
Other rumours indicate the device may also be delayed because of unresolved pricing negotiations with manufacturing and component partners.
Apple has also reportedly not finalised what it will use for its hinge materials.
Reports suggest Apple is yet to decide between choosing liquid metal, which would provide a near creaseless appearance and a 3D printed titanium alloy, which would offer more strength.
There have also been new rumours about what the foldable iPhone will be called.
Up until now it has been referred to as the iPhone Fold but a new post on Weibo suggests the new foldable device will be called the iPhone Ultra.
Ultra is a name Apple has already adopted with the Apple Watch Ultra and its latest M4 Ultra silicon.
Word is Apple is also planning Ultra version of the AirPods and the MacBook.
The AirPods Ultra are rumoured to include computer vision cameras to improve Siri’s visual intelligence.
The rumoured MacBook Ultra will likely include an OLED touchscreen.
