Apple 'increases production of folding iPhones to 10 million units'

This number, cited by Nikkei Asia from the supply chain, is up from the forecast of 7-8 million units a few months ago.

Also according to the source, Apple has pre-ordered related components and accessories for a total of 80 million iPhones shipped in the second half of the year, including the existing iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max models, and the upcoming 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra. Combined with the ordered quantity, Apple could ship nearly 240 million iPhones in 2026 alone.

According to another source, the number of orders even increased to 85 million for the second half of the year. To be ready, Apple is said to have asked suppliers to reserve components used on the iPhone 17 series for the iPhone 18 series. "Demand for iPhone 17 is still quite good, but we were asked to reserve common chips and components for the iPhone 18 series," a supplier said.

Apple has not yet commented.

According to 9to5mac, if the information is accurate, the new move shows that the American technology giant is actively seeking to ensure the supply of components. Previously, the shortage of memory chips forced the company to raise prices of a series of products.

When the AI ​​fever causes memory chip prices to increase, analysts predict that Apple will soon adjust iPhone prices. "iPhone is no exception. Its price is about to be pushed up," Nabila Popal, research director at data firm IDC, told Reuters. "Raising prices before launching the new generation iPhone in the fall is an extremely wise strategy. At this time, the focus is no longer on price, but on the value the new smartphones bring."

According to some rumors, the iPhone Ultra has a book-shaped folding screen design with a 4:3 ratio. When opened, it will be wider horizontally than it is tall - a different direction compared to existing folding smartphones on the market. Leaked parameters show that the device has a 5.5-inch external secondary screen and a 7.8-inch internal main screen, slightly smaller than the iPad mini.

The device may have a titanium frame with a record thinness, about 4.5 mm. Apple will remove the Action button and replace Face ID with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. The back has a horizontal dual camera cluster similar to the iPhone Air. Technology expert Sonny Dickson said white is the product's only color option.

IDC predicts that iPhone Ultra will be positioned in the high-end segment with a starting price of 2,500 USD and a maximum of 3,000 USD depending on configuration - much higher than most folding smartphones currently on the market. Some technology sites have reported that Apple is likely to adjust the iPhone Ultra introduction date to 2027, but Bloomberg expert Mark Gurman believes that the iPhone 18 Pro and folding iPhone will still launch this year, possibly on September 8-9.