Apple is reportedly setting its sights on unprecedented double-digit growth for iPhone shipments by 2026, aiming to produce a staggering 240 million units – the highest volume in years. A major driver for this ambitious target is expected to be the highly anticipated foldable iPhone, famously dubbed the ‘iPhone Fold’.
Apple’s Ambitious 2026 Growth Projections
According to a recent Nikkei report, the Cupertino tech giant plans to manufacture approximately 95 million units of its upcoming iPhone models in 2026. This projection suggests a robust 10 percent increase compared to its 2025 shipment estimates. For context, Apple’s initial production forecast for the iPhone 17 series in 2025 was around 85 million units, contributing to a total volume of 220 million iPhones for that year.
Sources indicate that this ambitious plan would push Apple’s overall manufacturing capacity to over 240 million units in 2026, marking the highest production volume observed in many years. Crucially, the company anticipates that its long-awaited foldable iPhone will be a significant contributor to these increased shipment figures. Rumored for some time, this device, often referred to as the ‘iPhone Fold’, is also expected to be a highlight for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary, with previous reports suggesting a market debut by 2027.
From Taiwan to India: A Strategic Production Move for iPhone Fold
The report further details Apple’s strategic approach to manufacturing the foldable iPhone. The company is reportedly engaging with Taiwanese suppliers to establish a small-scale test production line, leveraging Taiwan’s well-established engineering expertise and manufacturing ecosystem. This phase is part of the crucial New Product Introduction (NPI) process, a comprehensive multi-step plan that guides a product from its initial concept to full-scale production.
Once the intricate manufacturing parameters and processes for the foldable iPhone are perfected, Apple is expected to replicate this entire operation in India. This move would see the ‘iPhone Fold’ being manufactured within the country.
This two-pronged strategy is designed to streamline the learning curve and ensure a seamless setup of the production line in India. It’s worth noting that Apple already has a significant manufacturing presence in India, producing a majority of its iPhone models, including the latest iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air, through partnerships with companies like Foxconn and the Tata Group.
(Image: An illustration of an iPhone device, representative of Apple’s product line. Photo Credit: Apple)