Apple has instructed its suppliers to gear up for the production of approximately 10 million foldable iPhones this year, an increase from the earlier projection of 7-8 million units. The company has already secured components for around 80 million smartphones for the latter half of 2026, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the debut foldable iPhone. Apple’s total production for 2026 is anticipated to exceed 220 million units.
Apple’s strong purchasing power gives it an edge over competitors like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, who have reduced their production targets below 100 million units due to a global memory shortage. Suppliers have been advised to prepare for orders of up to 85 million new iPhones in the second half of 2026, with components for the iPhone 18 lineup already being reserved.
While engineering challenges with the foldable iPhone’s hinge have been resolved, this may result in a limited initial shipment post-launch, with larger production expected towards the year’s end. Despite recent price increases for MacBooks and iPads, the iPhone 17 lineup has not yet seen a price hike. However, Apple might introduce higher prices with the launch of new devices. The foldable iPhone is predicted to have an average selling price of $2,500, with some models reaching up to $3,000.
The foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch cover display, Touch ID, an A20 chip, and Apple’s C2 modem. It is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September, potentially under the name “iPhone Ultra.”
