Overview
- Reports Tuesday from Nikkei Asia, echoed by Engadget and others, said early test production uncovered more engineering issues than expected, putting the mass‑build schedule at risk.
- Leakers Instant Digital and Momentary Digital say Foxconn has begun trial production, with mass production targeted for July if the verification steps clear without new problems.
- Fresh dummy images shared by Sonny Dickson show a wide, passport‑style foldable with a 5.5‑inch outer screen, a 7.8‑inch inner display, a very thin profile, and no Face ID, with Touch ID likely in the side button.
- One supply‑chain leaker says Apple has not locked the hinge material and is weighing liquid metal against 3D‑printed titanium, and that price talks with the assembler could also slip the build plan, with a decision expected during July–August validation tests.
- Coverage across outlets points to a premium, low‑volume debut of about 7–8 million units and a price around or above $2,000, with a possible September unveiling and shipments that could start in December or slip into 2027; Apple has not confirmed the device or any dates.