Apple is preparing a much larger debut for its first foldable iPhone than earlier estimates suggested. The company has reportedly asked suppliers to build more than 10 million units for 2026, signaling that it expects the category to arrive with stronger demand than previously assumed.
The scale stands out because earlier production estimates for Apple’s foldable device were in the 7 million to 8 million unit range. A move above 10 million would mark a notable jump for a product line that has not yet entered the market.
A larger launch than first expected
According to Nikkei, Apple’s request to suppliers points to a broader rollout plan for the device, which has also been referred to as iPhone Fold. The report suggests the company is no longer treating the model as a limited experiment, but as a major addition to its lineup.
The development comes after reports that the foldable launch had faced possible delays. It is now said to be back on track for a large-scale debut, with Apple still keeping its final name under wraps.
| Item | Reported Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra production target | More than 10 million units | Expected for 2026 |
| Earlier production estimate | 7 million to 8 million units | Previous projection |
| iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max production | More than 70 million units | Supplier preparation for the new iPhone lineup |
| Total iPhone production | Around 220 million units | Planned for the year |
Premium pricing would place it at the top end of Apple’s range
The foldable model is expected to arrive at a premium price. One report places the base version at around $2,500, while a higher-storage model could reach $3,000.
That pricing would position the device at the most expensive end of Apple’s portfolio. It would also fit the broader pattern of foldables remaining a high-value category with lower volume than mainstream phones.
The market backdrop is becoming more favorable
Counterpoint Research expects the foldable phone market to grow 24% this year, while revenue in the segment is projected to rise 45% year on year. Those figures help explain why Apple appears ready to expand its commitment.
The component market is also tightening around the key part that makes foldables possible: the display. Counterpoint Research said Samsung Display increased its share to 22% in the first quarter of 2026, up from the first quarter of 2025.
At the same time, BOE was reported to hold a 45% share this year, down from 52% in the first quarter of 2025. Visionox and TCL were also mentioned as significant players in the panel market.
Competition among suppliers matters because the screen is the core element of any foldable device. Apple’s ability to meet a target above 10 million units will depend heavily on how well its supply chain is prepared.
The reported timeline also suggests that Apple may unveil the device at its fall event. The launch window is said to fall on 8 or 9 September, with 9 September considered the more likely date, although no official announcement has been made.
If Apple follows through, the foldable will become its first in a category that rivals such as Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, and Huawei have already occupied for years. That would give Apple a late but heavily scaled entry into one of the smartphone industry’s most closely watched premium segments.
