Apple has reportedly placed an order for around 10 million units of its first foldable iPhone, widely expected to be called the iPhone Ultra, as the technology giant prepares for its next flagship smartphone launch later this year.
According to a Nikkei Asia report citing people familiar with the matter, Apple has instructed suppliers to manufacture approximately 10 million foldable iPhones during 2026, signalling confidence in demand for its long-rumoured entry into the foldable smartphone market.
The reported production target is higher than earlier estimates, which suggested Apple planned an initial run of between 7 million and 8 million units.
Apple Expands iPhone 18 Production Plans
The report also claims Apple has ordered suppliers to produce around 70 million units of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, bringing the company’s total production target for its new iPhone lineup to roughly 220 million units in 2026.
In addition, Apple has reportedly instructed some suppliers to prepare for potential additional orders of up to 85 million units during the second half of the year should demand exceed expectations.
According to the report, the company has also asked suppliers to reserve selected iPhone 17 components for use in the upcoming iPhone 18 series to help ensure a stable supply chain.
Foldable iPhone Ultra Expected in September
The foldable iPhone is widely expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup at Apple’s anticipated product launch event on September 8, although the company has not officially confirmed its launch plans.
Leaks suggest the device will feature a book-style folding design and could become Apple’s most expensive smartphone to date.
Industry reports indicate the foldable iPhone Ultra may carry a starting price of around $2,500, with higher-capacity models potentially reaching $3,000.
Apple Yet to Confirm Specifications
Apple has not commented on the reported production figures or the existence of a foldable iPhone.
If accurate, the reported manufacturing orders would represent one of Apple’s largest initial production commitments for an entirely new iPhone form factor, underscoring the company’s ambitions in the growing foldable smartphone segment currently led by rivals including Samsung, Huawei and Honor.
More details about the foldable iPhone Ultra and the iPhone 18 Pro series are expected to emerge ahead of Apple’s anticipated September announcement.