Foldable iPhone 'fears' wipe millions from Apple market value, stock regains after ‘on track’ report

iPhone fans, your wait for Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone is reportedly not getting longer. A recent report in Nikkei Asia claimed that Apple is facing manufacturing issues with its foldable iPhone and Apple may not launch it with iPhone 18 series in September 2026. According to a report in Bloomberg, Apple's first foldable phone is on track to arrive during the company’s normal iPhone launch period later this year, rebutting concerns about major manufacturing snags. The report quoting people with knowledge of the matter said that Apple is scheduled to introduce the foldable model in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Apple’s phones typically hit store shelves the week after they’re unveiled, which is traditionally the third week of September. On Tuesday (April 7), after the Nikkei Asia report fueled concerns about the delay in the foldable iPhone launch, Apple shares fell as much as 5.1%, wiping millions from Apple market value. A Nikkei Asia report said that Apple was facing challenges in the engineering test phase of the phone that threatened to push back the production and shipment schedule.However, post Bloomberg report Apple shares pared their losses. The stock was down about 2.7% to $251.88 as of 1:04 p.m. in New York on Tuesday.Reinventing iPhone with foldable modelThe iPhone road map has been a priority for Apple management, including hardware chief John Ternus, who is widely speculated to be a top contender to eventually replace CEO Tim Cook. Foldable iPhone is one of the biggest launches from the company in years as well as most-awaited by Apple fans. With the foldable model, Apple is seeking to expand the iPhone line with new designs, pricier models and enhanced features. The company plans to take on Samsung and China-based smartphone makers, which have offered foldable options for years.Analysts see the foldable iPhone as step two of Apple's three-year plan to reinvent the look and feel of its flagship device. In 2025, Apple introduced overhauled iPhone Pro and Pro Max models and a thinner version called the iPhone Air. The company is also working on a separate iPhone revamp in 2027 to mark the product’s 20th anniversary.Design of Apple iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra or ...The latest chatter around Apple’s first foldable, or rather more specifically on what it might be called suggests iPhone Ultra naming. According to a Weibo tipster @DigitalChatStation, Apple’s upcoming wide-format foldable may actually launch as the iPhone Ultra. Some earlier reports, from different sources, have claimed that the foldable iPhone may be called or iPhone Fold. Apple engineers reportedly believe they’ve solved problems with screen quality and overall durability, two long-running flaws with phones in this category. That includes making the display’s crease less visible when it’s unfolded.The so-called iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold is speculated to sport a 5.5-inch display when closed, and a 7.8-inch display when open, plus a super thin design with minimal crease and a durable hinge. The goal reportedly is to be better usability both when folded and unfolded. Apple is said to be planning to update its iOS operating system to make iPhone apps look more like iPad software on the new device. The product’s price, meanwhile, is expected to cross the $2,000 threshold.