Apple is reportedly preparing a bigger launch plan for its first foldable iPhone, with suppliers asked to get ready for around 10 million units this year. The new target is higher than the earlier estimate of 7 million to 8 million units, which suggests Apple expects strong interest in its first foldable model.
Nikkei Asia reports that Apple has already booked parts for roughly 80 million iPhones for the second half of 2026, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone. Apple’s full 2026 iPhone production is expected to cross 220 million units.
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The report adds that Apple has stronger purchasing power than brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, which have lowered production targets because of the ongoing memory shortage. This gives Apple a better chance to secure key parts while the smartphone industry faces supply pressure.
The foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September. Apple has reportedly solved major hinge-related engineering issues, though the first shipment can still remain limited before production increases later in the year.
The device 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. Some reports suggest Apple can launch it as the iPhone Ultra, with pricing expected to start around $2,500 and higher storage models reaching close to $3,000.
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