Apple has asked suppliers to prepare for more iPhone orders in 2026 as it plans the iPhone Fold. The company has told partners to expect about 10 percent higher volumes next year. That includes a target of about 95 million units for the next main lineup. Reuters and Nikkei report that Apple is exploring a pilot production line in Taiwan and plans larger-scale output in India.
Production in Taiwan
According to the reports, Apple is looking for land in northern Taiwan for a mini pilot line. The pilot would let engineers refine assembly steps for a foldable device. The plan is to use the pilot to shorten development time and then move to mass production in India. Suppliers say the pilot may need about 1,000 workers and new tool supplies from Taiwan. Apple has not confirmed these plans.
Market outlook 2026
Apple expects the new foldable phone to raise interest across the whole iPhone range. The company thinks attention on the iPhone Fold will lift sales of other models. Nikkei and Reuters say Apple projects more than 240 million iPhones in 2026 if demand meets its estimates. Supply chain sources caution that Apple sometimes gives higher projections to cover risks. Analysts warn that actual sales will depend on product price, quality, and production readiness.
The current iPhone 17 line is selling strongly in China. Reports show robust preorders and record early demand in that market. That momentum may help Apple in the lead-up to a 2026 launch if the Fold arrives on schedule. Apple has filed many patents for foldable devices and has tested multiple designs. The story will evolve as suppliers and Apple make final decisions and as production tests are completed.
This is an important change both to suppliers and to buyers. Providers have to introduce capacity and sharpen tools. Official announcements and supply signals should be observed by buyers who intend to upgrade in 2026. The investors and the larger market of smartphones will be interested in how Apple strikes a balance between cost, quality, and scale in a new category of products.