According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Apple has recently informed its supply chain partners that shipments of the iPhone 18 series, slated for release in 2026, will increase by 10% compared with this year. The lineup is also expected to include the long-rumored foldable iPhone, tentatively called “iPhone Fold”, with trial production reportedly planned in Taiwan.
Sources suggest that Apple holds high expectations for the sales performance of the iPhone 18 series, forecasting a 10% boost in overall shipments relative to this year. Central to these plans is the long-anticipated iPhone Fold, which Apple is said to be accelerating toward production.
The company is reportedly considering setting up a small-scale trial production line in northern Taiwan, aimed at optimizing the manufacturing process before shifting mass production to India. This strategy is intended to shorten time-to-market and streamline large-scale rollout.
Nikkei further noted that this year’s iPhone 17 series is projected to achieve cumulative sales of 85 million units, while the iPhone 18 series, launching in 2026, is expected to reach 95 million shipments. Overall iPhone shipments could surpass 240 million units, with the iPhone Fold potentially driving additional growth.
Analysts caution, however, that Apple often sets ambitious stocking targets which are later adjusted based on component supply, production yields, and market demand. Even so, many still anticipate that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will significantly boost sales momentum.
As for the choice of Taiwan for trial production, industry observers point out that given the island’s current labor shortages, establishing a production line capable of accommodating thousands of workers could present cost and staffing challenges. Following the trial phase, Apple is expected to relocate the iPhone Fold’s production line to India.
Some market watchers believe that the release of this year’s iPhone Air was in part a prelude to the foldable device, joking that placing two iPhone Air units side by side might already give users a taste of the forthcoming iPhone Fold experience.
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