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Foldable iPhone Still Faces Production Hurdles, Report Says

Apple's foldable iPhone still faces production hurdles that leave its exact launch timing undecided, according to a new report from DigiTimes, even as Foxconn carries out what supply chain sources describe as "final mass-production adjustments."

Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature 1
The report says Apple has assigned Foxconn to lead the device from new product introduction (NPI) through to mass production, citing the assembler's experience with precision structural components and large-scale production tuning. One industry source claimed Foxconn is the only Apple partner with a realistic chance of meeting the expected production target.

The framing sits somewhat against recent reporting. Foxconn began trial production in April, Apple subsequently raised its order to around 10 million units on the back of resolved hinge and circuit board problems, and just two weeks ago a China Securities Journal report aggregated by DigiTimes said the device was already in mass production with no delay envisaged. Today's report instead says the engineering validation phase may have caused a delay of one to two months, with the hinge structure and display durability testing remaining the principal bottlenecks.

The foldable iPhone is still, at the very least, expected to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September, with a book-style design, an inner display of around 7.7 to 7.8 inches, a 5.5-inch cover screen, a thickness of roughly 4.5mm, and a starting price above $2,000.

Related Roundup: iPhone Fold

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Top Rated Comments

41 minutes ago at 05:20 am
Wait for the second generation and leave this one to the usual YouTube blokes.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N0ughtsAndCr0sses Avatar
37 minutes ago at 05:24 am

Wait for the second generation and leave this one to the usual YouTube blokes.
1. The 1st Generation: The Overpriced Prototype


What it actually is: A flex for tech influencers and people with more money than patience.


The reality: It’s thick, heavy, battery life is atrocious, and the crease in the middle looks like a miniature Grand Canyon. You open it twice to show off to your friends, and on the third time, a stray dust particle under the screen completely destroys the display.


The verdict: Never buy Gen 1 unless you enjoy crying at Apple Store Genius Bars.


2. The 2nd Generation: The Apology Tour


What it actually is: Apple (or any tech giant) fixing the catastrophic hardware flaws from Gen 1.


The reality: They fix the hinge so dust doesn't instantly ruin your life, make it 1 millimeter thinner, and call it "revolutionary." However, the software is still half-baked, the cameras are stripped down to fit the chassis, and the price tag is still absurdly high. It's the "Sorry we used you as a lab rat last year" model.


3. The 3rd Generation: The Actual Finished Product


What it actually is: The moment the device becomes a real consumer product instead of a gimmick.


The reality: By Gen 3, three crucial things happen:


1. Hardware Maturity: The crease is finally tolerable, the hinge actually lasts, and the chassis isn't built like a brick.


2. Software Optimization: iOS actually knows what to do with a folding screen instead of just stretching regular apps like ugly accordions.


3. Supply Chain Efficiency: Component costs drop, meaning they can actually put proper cameras and battery capacity into the thing without making it cost as much as a used car.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N0ughtsAndCr0sses Avatar
38 minutes ago at 05:22 am

Wait for the second generation and leave this one to the usual YouTube blokes.
You meant third one
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)