Apple is reportedly preparing to launch at least five new iPhone models between the second half of 2026 and early 2027, including its first foldable device. The company has raised its foldable production target and is exploring new memory chip suppliers as AI-driven demand tightens global component supplies.
The planned lineup includes the company’s first foldable iPhone, a standard iPhone 18, and a new iPhone Air model. Apple is also reviewing new memory chip suppliers as demand from artificial intelligence data centers limits global supplies. Apple has not confirmed the product plans or its reported discussions with Chinese chipmakers.
Apple Raises Foldable iPhone Production Plans
Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to prepare components for about 10 million foldable iPhones in 2026, up from an earlier target of between 7 million and 8 million units. The increase suggests Apple is allocating more production capacity to its first foldable smartphone. Still, the figures come from people familiar with the supply chain, and Apple has not publicly announced the device or confirmed its expected production volume.
Reports have described the foldable phone as a premium model that could sit above Apple’s existing Pro lineup. Some market estimates have placed its possible price near $2,500, although Apple has not provided any official pricing information. Meanwhile, Samsung and Huawei already sell several foldable smartphone models. Apple’s entry would add another major brand to the category, which remains smaller than the standard smartphone market.
Apple has also secured parts for about 80 million new iPhones scheduled for production in the second half of 2026. Its total smartphone output could exceed 220 million units this year, according to current supplier estimates.
Five-Model Roadmap Extends into Early 2027
Apple’s reported launch schedule covers at least five devices across two release periods. The company is expected to introduce several models in late 2026 before adding the standard iPhone 18 and another iPhone Air in early 2027. A spring release would mark a change from Apple’s usual approach of launching its main iPhone range in September. The move could allow the company to spread demand across the year and target different price groups at separate times.
One supplier executive reportedly said Apple has ‘good motivation’ to release iPhones in spring and gain market share. However, the launch timetable remains unconfirmed, and production plans can change before devices enter mass manufacturing.
Apple’s purchasing scale may also give it more access to limited memory supplies than smaller smartphone makers. Reports say Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have reduced annual production targets to below 100 million units amid higher component prices. Additionally, Apple recently raised prices for some MacBook and iPad products as memory and storage costs increased, showing how supply pressure has reached several parts of the consumer electronics market.
Apple Considers Chinese Memory Chip Suppliers
Apple is reportedly holding discussions with ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies about supplying chips for devices sold in China. The talks are said to be ongoing, and no agreement has been announced. Both Chinese companies appear on a Pentagon list of businesses accused of links to China’s military, so any supply agreement could face political and regulatory review in the United States.
Apple is seeking more supply options as AI data centers consume a growing share of global memory production. Strong demand for DRAM and NAND chips has raised prices for smartphone, computer, and data-center manufacturers. Using more suppliers could help Apple secure enough parts and negotiate better purchasing terms. Nevertheless, the company must consider product quality, production capacity, trade rules, and restrictions linked to Chinese technology companies.
Apple has not commented on the reported supplier talks. The company has also not confirmed the foldable iPhone, its five-model launch schedule, or its production targets through early 2027.
