Foldable iPhone prototype surfaces amid delay rumours

We might now have our first clear view of the unusually broad iPhone Fold following a reveal by leaker and journalist Sonny Dickson. 

He has shown photos believed to be of a mock-up of the foldable device, shown alongside similar models of iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. 

The design leak surfaces amid reports of early engineering tests facing issues in production, potentially delaying its release compared to other iPhones this year.

Well-regarded for his accurate dummy units of Apple and Samsung devices used by case manufacturers, Dickson posted images of the foldable sample on Bluesky today. 

The device is showcased from both sides, although the dummy's interior doesn't reveal much regarding the design, including the layout of a selfie camera or Face ID sensors. 

The back is more telling, featuring two rear cameras aligned side-by-side on a raised, oblong-shaped island that extends two-thirds across the phone's unusually wide frame.

Exact measurements for the dummy are not given by Dickson, but it appears shorter and broader than any book-style foldable seen so far. 

Its design is most like Google's inaugural Pixel Fold, yet it seems even wider. While this design choice might seem peculiar, rumours suggest Samsung is developing a "Wide Fold" model of its foldable expected to debut later this year, indicating this design might be gaining traction.

The question remains about who will debut such a device first. It has been widely speculated that Apple will introduce its first foldable iPhone alongside the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max at its September event, with the base iPhone 18 anticipated in 2027; however, this timing may be uncertain. 

Nikkei Asia reports the early production phases are facing "engineering difficulties" taking longer to address than initially planned, which "could postpone the first release by several months."