New report reveals just how tight foldable iPhone supply could be

Those two areas could also become Apple’s biggest selling points. Apple is reportedly aiming for a foldable display with an almost invisible crease and a sophisticated hinge mechanism, allowing it to differentiate the device from the competition.

Just last month, analyst Tim Culpan warned that supplies of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and foldable iPhone could be severely constrained because of the ongoing global memory chip shortage. Apple may therefore have to juggle not only the complexity of manufacturing a brand-new foldable form factor, but also tight supplies of critical components.

There have also been concerns about Apple’s initial launch strategy. ChannelNews Australia previously reported that the foldable iPhone could launch exclusively in the US, with other markets receiving the device only in a second wave. A limited initial rollout would allow Apple to manage constrained inventory while it ramps up production.

However, Bloomberg offered a more reassuring assessment. The publication reports that the foldable iPhone is expected to launch “at the same time or very close to it” as the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and does not expect “massive delays or supply chain issues” to derail the retail launch.

Apple’s “Surprise and shine” event is scheduled for this week, where the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 lineup and new Apple Watch models. For more on what to expect from the new iPhones, check out our rumour roundup article here.

Source: Nikkei Asia via 9to5Mac