Apple orders 10M foldable iPhone Ultras, likely priced at $2500
▼ Summary
– Apple raised its foldable iPhone production target to about 10 million units, up from a previous range of 7 to 8 million.
– The company also ordered 70 million units of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, bringing total new iPhone orders for the second half of 2026 to 220 million.
– Apple has instructed some suppliers to reserve components for up to 85 million new iPhones in the latter half of 2026.
– The foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to have a premium price, with an average selling price of $2500 and storage options up to $3000.
– Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra in September 2026, with the foldable launching slightly later that year.
Apple has significantly scaled up its production plans for the upcoming foldable iPhone, targeting roughly 10 million units of the high-end model. This figure represents a notable increase of about a third over earlier assembly expectations.
According to a report from Nikkei Asia, the tech giant has boosted its manufacturing goal for the foldable iPhone Ultra to approximately 10 million devices. Initial projections had placed the number between 7 million and 8 million units just a few months ago. Sources familiar with the supply chain indicate that Apple has instructed component manufacturers to prepare for this elevated volume.
Beyond the foldable device, the production pipeline also includes substantial numbers of the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. These two models are expected to account for an additional 70 million units. Combined, the new iPhone models slated for the second half of 2026 total roughly 80 million units, bringing Apple’s overall order forecast for the year to 220 million iPhones. This aligns closely with IDC’s recent projection that Apple would ship nearly 240 million iPhones in 2026.
The report further notes that Apple has communicated to some suppliers a potential forecast of up to 85 million new iPhones for the latter half of 2026. In a move to secure essential components amid ongoing shortages, Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to reserve common parts and components used in the iPhone 17 series for the upcoming iPhone 18 premium lineup.
Pricing for the first foldable iPhone is expected to be steep. IDC has forecasted that the iPhone Ultra will carry an average selling price of $2,500, with higher storage configurations potentially reaching $3,000.
The official unveiling of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra is anticipated in September. The foldable model may launch slightly after the Pro versions, though it remains on track for a 2026 release.
In a shift in strategy, Apple is not planning to replace the standard iPhone 17 with the iPhone 18 until the spring of 2027. This would extend the iPhone 17’s market presence from the typical 12-month cycle to roughly 18 months. Similarly, the iPhone Air, introduced in September 2025, is expected to receive an upgrade in spring 2026.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
