iPhone Fold delay rumors debunked — here's why a September release window seems likely after all

We're inching ever closer to the launch of Apple's foldable iPhone, and whether you prefer the name iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, we can all agree that we want the phone to arrive promptly and without any glaring issues.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is still on track to unveil the iPhone Fold during the traditional September release window — alongside iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. While that's no guarantee of immediate release, as we saw with iPhone X, sources have told reporter Mark Gurman that the foldable should go on sale around the same time as the non-foldable models. Or, at the most, "very soon after."

Fears had risen after a report from Nikkei Asia suggesting Apple may have to delay the iPhone Fold due to issues found during test production. However, Gurman says that while the design's complexity may limit initial supply, the current plans should still see the phone release on time.

Though he does admit that release day is a good six months out, and mass production hasn't started yet. That means timings are not final, and things could change.

Gurman also reiterated exactly what's going to make the iPhone Fold stand out from rival foldables. He notes the phone will be "similar to competing products," but notes that the foldable screen will have some key selling points. That includes reducing the visibility of the display crease so much that the phone has been described as being "crease-free."

Gurman also mentions that Apple engineers believe they have been able to solve long-standing issues with foldable screens' durability and screen quality.

Because foldable screens need to be flexible, they can't use the same kind of display glass as non-folding screens.

Originally, this saw a lot of plastic screens being employed, but recently we've seen foldables utilize "Ultra-Thin Glass" (UTG) that can bend without breaking while retaining the glassy feel. Apple is also expected to use a similar kind of material, though it's unclear how it'll be more durable than what rivals have to offer.

Sadly, we don't have more details than this, so we're just going to have to wait and see what leaks reveal over the coming months. Or, failing that, what Apple reveals when it officially unveils the iPhone Fold during the all-but-certain September Apple event.

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