According to reports, Apple has addressed the problems with the hinge of the foldable iPhone, so you can feel a bit more at ease now.

      A recent report from The Elec indicates that mass production of Apple's debut foldable device is set to begin by the end of July, keeping its September launch on track.

      Apple's initial foldable iPhone has reportedly resolved the hinge issues that had led to concerns about a possible delay. According to The Elec, mass production is now anticipated to commence next month, ensuring the device remains aligned for a September release alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models.

      What caused the hinge issues

      As per sources cited by The Elec, the hinge mechanism generated a slight noise following durability assessments that involved millions of folding cycles. Furthermore, the manufacturing tolerances for certain assembly components were broader than expected, resulting in higher defect rates than Apple preferred. A source from the Taiwanese industry has now confirmed that most of these issues have been addressed.

      The report also clarifies a previously uncertain timeline. In March, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman asserted that the foldable would not launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September. However, he changed his stance a few weeks later, stating that the device was back on track for that same timeframe, even though production had yet to increase.

      What the device looks like so far

      Leaks indicate that Apple's first foldable may feature a 7.8-inch foldable OLED main display from Samsung that incorporates the color filter directly into the panel instead of layering it separately, a design aimed at reducing thickness.

      The device is also rumored to come with a 5.5-inch cover screen, Apple’s A20 chip, a C2 modem, two rear cameras, and a power button featuring an integrated Touch ID sensor instead of Face ID. Pricing is anticipated to be around $2,000, and Apple might brand it as the iPhone Ultra.

      Development for a foldable iPhone has taken several years, and Apple is evidently prioritizing the hinge's functionality before release. A delayed launch could be advantageous, helping to sidestep the early complaints about hinges and durability that have affected other first-generation foldables.

      Pranob is a veteran technology journalist with over eight years of experience in consumer technology coverage. His work has been...

      I reviewed the Prime Day budget phone deals, and these two are worth considering.

      Google presents a smarter long-term choice, while Motorola offers the ultra-budget option suitable for everyday use.

      Budget phone deals can often be misleading during Prime Day due to the low prices that can cloud rational judgment. A low-cost phone still requires adequate storage, respectable battery life, a functional camera, and enough performance to avoid becoming unused clutter by Halloween. These two offers are sensible for different reasons: the Pixel 10a is the superior all-around Android option, while the Moto G Play is the least expensive choice that fulfills a specific function.

      You may notice new payment methods for Android apps and subscriptions beginning next week.

      Starting June 30, Google is allowing alternative billing options in the US, UK, and EU on the Play Store.

      When you subscribe to a service or make an in-app purchase on Android next time, you may have the option to bypass Google Play's billing system. Starting June 30, developers in the US, UK, and Europe will be permitted to present additional payment options for digital purchases on the Google Play Store. This means that certain apps may start directing users to their own websites or offer different checkout systems instead of solely relying on Google Play Billing.

      iPhone 18 Pro might not be excessively priced after all, but it’s wise to remain cautious.

      J.P. Morgan suggests that the potential price increase for the iPhone 18 Pro may be less severe than anticipated.

      Last week, Tim Cook indicated that the prices of Apple hardware, including iPhones, are likely to rise as the company increasingly faces challenges in absorbing escalating costs. The primary concern is memory, with RAM and storage prices surging across the tech sector.

      This has led to worries about a significant price spike for the iPhone 18 Pro. However, new analysis from J.P. Morgan suggests the outcome may not be as alarming. According to a screenshot of the firm's estimates shared by Max Weinbach on X, Apple might offset part of the memory cost increases through reductions in other areas.