A production line for the foldable iPhone is being established. According to Nikkei Asia, Apple has begun negotiations with its suppliers to establish a test production line with the aim of beginning mass production in 2026. A production line based in India is among the priority targets in this process.

A foldable iPhone is on the horizon

Apple’s foldable iPhone initiative could significantly increase the company’s sales. According to IDC data, the company sold 232 million iPhones in 2024 and could increase this figure to 241 million in 2025. A 10% increase projected for 2026 suggests sales will reach 265 million. The launch of the foldable model could push Apple’s annual iPhone sales, which currently range between 200 and 250 million, to a new record.

Renowned tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously stated that the foldable iPhone would be introduced alongside the iPhone 18 series in 2026. The device is claimed to feature a compact design with two OLED panels, 7.7 inches and 5.5 inches. It is also expected to utilize ultra-thin glass technology and a different hinge design for increased durability.

Demand for Apple’s current iPhone lineup is also attracting attention. Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan notes that delivery times for the iPhone 17 Pro models are longer than for previous generations.

For example, the average shipping time for the iPhone 17 Pro is 18 days, while for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, it’s 25 days. These figures are an increase compared to the 14 days for the iPhone 16 Pro and 23 days for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The iPhone 17’s 19-day wait time, in particular, is the longest delivery time since the iPhone 11 in 2019. This suggests that demand for Apple’s new models continues to be strong, and this momentum will increase further with the launch of the foldable iPhone.