Apple is accelerating preparations for its much-anticipated foldable iPhone. According to Nikkei Asia, the company is working with suppliers to establish a test production line. If everything goes according to plan, mass production could begin in 2026, with India also being considered as a new manufacturing hub.
The foldable model is expected to play a key role in Apple’s growth strategy. In 2024, the company sold 232 million iPhones, and IDC projects that figure will rise to around 241 million in 2025. With a forecasted 10% growth in 2026, shipments could reach 265 million units, setting a new record beyond Apple’s traditional 200–250 million yearly sales range.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the foldable device will debut as part of the iPhone 18 lineup. Apple is reportedly targeting a compact design with 7.7-inch and 5.5-inch OLED displays, reinforced with ultra-thin cover glass and a redesigned hinge system for improved durability.
Meanwhile, demand for existing models remains robust. Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan notes that delivery times for the iPhone 17 Pro series are longer than in previous generations — averaging 18 days for the iPhone 17 Pro and up to 25 days for the Pro Max model. These waiting times mark the longest since the iPhone 11 in 2019.
Altogether, the strong demand for current iPhones and the upcoming foldable model point to a significant sales momentum that could further cement Apple’s dominance in the global smartphone market.