Apple is accelerating preparations for its first foldable iPhone, widely expected to debut as the iPhone Ultra later this year. According to a new report from Nikkei Asia, the tech giant has asked suppliers to scale up production to nearly 10 million units for 2026, up from earlier estimates of 7–8 million. While Apple has not officially confirmed the device or its production plans, supply chain sources indicate the company is expanding manufacturing capacity well ahead of an anticipated September launch.
Apple Bets Big on Its First Foldable iPhone
The reported increase in production targets signals strong confidence in consumer demand for the upcoming foldable model. Nikkei Asia notes that Apple has raised its initial production target from the previously reported 7 million to 8 million units. Although the company remains tight-lipped, industry insiders suggest the foldable iPhone will feature several major upgrades:
- A book-style folding design
- A crease-minimizing display
- Flagship-grade hardware
- A titanium chassis
The device is expected to compete directly with premium foldables already on the market. Suppliers have been told to prepare for additional orders if component demand exceeds expectations. Apple is also reportedly reserving certain components from the iPhone 17 series for future use.
Apple Yet to Confirm Official Details
The foldable iPhone is rumored to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup at Apple’s next product event in September. However, the exact model name, specifications, release timeline, and manufacturing quantities have not been confirmed by Apple. The 10 million unit figure comes solely from supply chain sources and remains unverified.
As the foldable smartphone market heats up, Apple’s aggressive production ramp-up underscores its ambition to capture a leading position in the premium segment. All eyes will be on Cupertino for an official announcement later this year.
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