Apple’s first foldable iPhone may not be delayed, but that does not mean it will be easy to buy right away.
Supply chain sources told the Chinese outlet Cailian Press that production is progressing as planned, pushing back against speculation that complex assembly and low manufacturing yields could slow the device’s production. The report adds to other supply chain signals suggesting Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone has reportedly entered mass production.
According to the report, the device’s development plan was finalized some time ago and has entered mass production, with related components being manufactured at scale. Several sources also assured smooth deliveries in September and belied rumors of a launch postponement.
China’s East Money and South Korea’s The Bell also reported that the foldable device entered mass production, citing separate reports, according to MacRumors. Apple’s manufacturing partner, Foxconn, has also increased hiring to support production.
Launch timing still isn’t fully settled
Despite the optimistic signals from suppliers, questions remain about when customers can purchase the device.
MacRumors noted that analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently predicted Apple could unveil the foldable alongside its next flagship iPhones in September, while retail availability may not begin until the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple considered launching the product around the same period but potentially shipping it at a later date.
Research firm Sigmaintell shared a similar view. According to senior mobile analyst Wang Xiaoya, cited by China Business News and reported by BigGo Finance, Apple can still hold its September launch event while delaying retail sales until October or November due to technical challenges involved in manufacturing foldable displays, cover glass and hinges.
Wang also expects the first production batch to be limited because of lower manufacturing yields during the initial production ramp.
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The bigger iPhone shift
Apple’s entry into foldable smartphones would mark one of the biggest changes to the iPhone lineup in years and could reshape a market currently led by rivals including Samsung, Huawei and Motorola.
Reports indicate Apple already increased supplier production targets compared with earlier forecasts, suggesting stronger confidence in demand if the device launches as expected. The product is also expected to boost suppliers across the display, hinge, and specialty glass industries, while increasing competition among panel manufacturers working to improve foldable display technology.
Launch timing is only part of the story
The latest reports highlight an important distinction between manufacturing progress and product availability.
Supply chain companies typically see only the portion of production they are directly involved in, so they may not have complete visibility into Apple’s launch plans. At the same time, production bottlenecks do not automatically translate into delayed announcements.
Taken together, the reports suggest Apple’s foldable project is still moving through manufacturing as expected. However, uncertainty remains over how many units Apple can produce initially, making limited availability a more realistic concern than an outright launch delay.
In other news: Here is some of Apple’s 2026 product roadmap. Find out what Apple has in store for its customers.