Apple Plans 10 Million Foldable iPhones, Boosting Production for 2026 Launch

Apple has significantly increased its production forecast for its first foldable iPhone, reportedly instructing suppliers to prepare for around 10 million units, up from earlier estimates of 7 to 8 million. This adjustment reflects growing internal confidence in the new device's market demand. The foldable model, possibly named iPhone Ultra, is expected to be priced at the high end of Apple's lineup, with an average price around $2,500 and some versions potentially reaching $3,000.

Alongside the foldable iPhone, Apple plans to produce approximately 70 million units of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, totaling about 80 million premium devices slated for release in the second half of 2026. Overall, Apple’s iPhone orders for 2026 are projected to reach roughly 220 million units, aligning closely with IDC’s recent estimate of 240 million iPhones for the year.

Apple is also taking steps to secure component availability by maintaining inventory of parts shared with the current iPhone 17 series for use in the upcoming iPhone 18 premium models, addressing ongoing supply chain challenges. The foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be unveiled in September 2026, with the foldable possibly launching slightly later but still before year-end.

Additionally, Apple may delay the release of the iPhone 18 base model until spring 2027, extending the iPhone 17’s market life from about 12 to 18 months. Similarly, the iPhone Air, introduced in September 2025, is anticipated to receive an update only in spring 2026, indicating a potential shift in Apple’s product launch strategy.