Apple is reportedly increasing production of its first foldable iPhone, widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra. The company has raised its manufacturing target from the original 7 to 8 million units to 10 million units for the second half of 2026. Apple has already instructed suppliers to prepare enough parts and components to support this higher production goal.
The company is expected to manufacture around 220 million iPhones in total during 2026. This figure includes the planned 10 million foldable iPhone Ultra units, along with approximately 70 million iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max devices. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are expected to launch next spring.
Market research firm IDC predicts Apple will ship around 240 million iPhones this year. For comparison, Apple shipped between 243 million and 247.4 million iPhones during calendar year 2025. Apple is also increasing its efforts to secure enough components for future iPhones. According to IDC, the company has asked suppliers to provide parts for 85 million new iPhones during the second half of the year. Suppliers have also been instructed to reserve common components originally intended for the iPhone 17 series, allowing them to be used in premium iPhone 18 models if needed.
Growing demand for AI data centers has created shortages of memory and storage chips. To avoid supply issues, Apple is actively looking for additional chip suppliers. Reports suggest the company consulted the White House before purchasing chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT). Although CXMT is not on the U.S. Commerce Department’s Entity List, it is listed on the Chinese Military Company Blacklist, prompting Apple to seek guidance before moving forward.
IDC expects the foldable iPhone Ultra to start at around $2,500, while higher storage versions could cost as much as $3,000. If these estimates are accurate, it will become the most expensive iPhone ever released. The foldable iPhone is also expected to feature a crease-free display, addressing one of the biggest concerns with foldable smartphones. Analysts believe its launch could significantly boost the global foldable phone market, with worldwide shipments expected to grow by double digits by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone segment is expected to reshape the market. The device was previously rumored under the name iPhone Fold, but it is now widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra. Reports of increased production also excited investors. Apple shares jumped 4.84%, gaining $14.25 to close at $308.63. It marked the company’s strongest single-day stock performance in weeks. Investors are now closely watching Apple’s fiscal third-quarter earnings report, scheduled for July 30, for more updates on the company’s performance and future plans.
