April 7 (Reuters) - Apple ‌has been encountering ​setbacks ​in the engineering test phase of its first foldable iPhone, which could lead to delays ‌in its mass production and product shipment schedule, ⁠Nikkei Asia reported on Monday, citing sources.

Here are some details:

* Engineering ‌development issues could delay ‌the firstshipments of the foldable iPhones by months in a worst-casescenario, according to the Nikkei report. * "It's true that ​more issues than expected have emergedduring the early test production phase, and additional time willbe needed to ⁠resolve them and make necessary adjustments," thereport said, quoting one source familiar with ​the matter. * However, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday that Appleremains on track to release its ​first foldable iPhone inSeptember, alongside the ‌iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. * The timing is not final, as the release ⁠is still nearlysix months away and production has not fully ramped up yet,according to the Bloomberg report, which cited people ⁠familiarwith the matter. * Reuters could not verify the reports independently. Appledid not ​immediately respond to requests for comment on thereports. * Apple shares were down 2.7% in afternoon trading. Theyfell as much as 5.1% ‌earlier in the day. * Nikkei had reported in January that Apple would focus ondelivering ‌its first foldable iPhone and two non-folding modelswith upgraded cameras ⁠and larger displays for ‌a flagship launchin ​the second half of 2026.

(Reporting by Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Maju ‌Samuel)

Reuters Rumors