Apple is reportedly struggling with iPhone Fold hinges

It has been almost seven years since Samsung launched its first foldable phone, and since then, we have been hearing constant rumors about Apple’s first foldable iPhone. While it was previously believed that the wait might finally end in 2026, the latest rumors suggest we may have to wait a bit longer to see Apple’s first foldable device.

Chinese leaker, Instant Digital, claimed in a Weibo post that Apple is still struggling with the iPhone Fold’s hinge design, which could delay the device’s launch this year. Instant Digital also reported in April that the iPhone Fold had entered trial production, but it appears the device has encountered technical challenges related to the hinge and folding display.

According to the leaker’s information, results regarding hinge reliability and long-term durability consistently fail to meet Apple’s quality control standards. As a result, Apple engineers must come up with a solution, or the device’s production could stall and miss its planned launch window.

The iPhone Fold, or the so-called iPhone Ultra, is said to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. It is also believed to adopt a passport-style design, similar to Huawei’s recent foldables or Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Wide.

Despite issues with the hinge and display, Instant Digital claims that Apple has achieved a visually crease-free display on its foldable iPhone, along with long-term durability. Previous reports suggested that Apple aims to develop a crease-free screen by any means necessary, potentially making it a key selling point for its first foldable device.

However, there is still no clear information about the severity of the hinge issues affecting the iPhone Fold. It was previously reported that the device will debut in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. A report by DigiTimes also suggests that, despite being behind schedule, the foldable iPhone is still expected to be announced in September.