Apple increases iPhone Ultra production to 10 million

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Apple has significantly raised its production targets for its first foldable iPhone: The supply chain is expected to produce around ten million units this year – almost a third more than previously planned. This move is part of a massive overall order picture of around 220 million iPhones for 2026.

The recent debate surrounding Apple's first foldable phone has focused primarily on limited initial production numbers and a tight schedule. A new report from Nikkei Asia shifts the perspective: Apple has reportedly instructed its suppliers to prepare for approximately ten million foldable iPhones this year – a significant improvement over previous estimates of around seven to eight million units. This figure is not confirmed; the information comes from sources close to individuals said to be familiar with the plans. However, the number suggests greater confidence in demand than earlier reports indicated.

Ten million foldable iPhones – a third more than planned

The core of the report is the raised production target. Instead of the previously reported seven to eight million units, Apple is now said to have planned for around ten million foldable iPhones – an increase of about a third compared to the previously expected production figures. For a completely new, technically sophisticated form factor debut, this is a remarkably confident plan.

To put things in perspective: Compared to the sales figures of a regular iPhone launch, the foldable remains a niche product. However, in the context of a premium device positioned outside the usual price range, a double-digit million figure in the first year is anything but modest.

The big picture: around 220 million iPhones for 2026

The ten million foldable devices are just one component. Another 70 million units are expected to be the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Together, this brings the total to approximately 80 million new premium iPhones launching in the second half of 2026. Over the entire year, the report estimates a total order volume of around 220 million iPhones. Apple is even said to have given some suppliers a forecast of up to 85 million new iPhones for the second half of the year alone.

A second striking point from the report is that Apple has reportedly instructed some partners to reserve certain shared components from the iPhone 17 series for the upcoming premium iPhone 18 line. Given the ongoing shortage, the company is thus aggressively securing components. Correspondingly, the standard iPhone 18 is being pushed back to spring 2027, extending the iPhone 17's market lifespan from the usual twelve months to approximately eighteen. The iPhone Air is also expected to receive a successor only in the following spring. For comparison, the market research firm IDC forecasts iPhone shipments approaching 240 million units for 2026.

Apple has an advantage over the competition

The sheer volume of orders gives Apple an advantage in the current market. Its purchasing power is intended to position the company better than rivals like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, who have all lowered their annual targets to below 100 million units amidst the industry-wide storage shortage. Where smaller manufacturers have to scale back, Apple can secure its capacity early and on a large scale.

This turns the storage crisis, which has already driven up the prices of Macs and iPads, into an indirect competitive advantage: those who can reserve the necessary components in sufficient quantities gain some breathing room, while the competition reduces supply.

Small starting quantity despite loosened hinge

The technical hurdles appear to have been largely overcome. According to the report, the problems surrounding the hinge of the foldable iPhone are now considered resolved. However, this increases the likelihood that only a small quantity will be shipped at launch. A larger production wave is not expected to begin until the end of the year.

The increased annual target of ten million units and the tight initial availability are not contradictory: one describes the entire year, the other the first weeks after the sales launch, during which production is still ramping up.

Price expected to be around $2,500

Apple's first foldable phone will clearly remain in the premium segment in terms of price. IDC anticipates an average retail price of around $2,500, with variants offering more storage potentially costing up to $3,000. This aligns with previous expectations that placed the iPhone Ultra's starting price above $2,000.

The connection to Apple's other product lines is interesting. While Apple already raised prices for MacBooks and iPads last month, the iPhone 17 series has so far remained unaffected. Should this continue, Apple is likely to use the upcoming new product launches as an opportunity to introduce higher prices across the entire lineup. Technically, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be a book-style foldable with an approximately 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external display, featuring Touch ID instead of Face ID, an A20 chip, and Apple's own C2 modem.

A confident debut in a tense market

The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra are expected to be unveiled in September; the foldable model's launch might follow the Pro models slightly later, but still occur this year. The increased target date indicates that Apple is treating its first foldable iPhone not as a cautious experiment, but as a serious pillar of a premium-heavy product year. Whether demand will keep pace with the ambitious production numbers, given a price point of around $2,500, will only become clear after the market launch. (Image: Shutterstock / Adam Kovacs)