Apple could be telling its suppliers to build more foldable iPhones than anyone expected. The company has reportedly raised its 2026 prediction target for the much-rumored iPhone Ultra to around 10 million units. This is a significant jump from the previous 7-to-8-million estimation.
That’s a huge vote of confidence from Apple and good news for anyone hoping to get their hands on one. A bigger build target usually means fewer launch-day sellouts and a better shot at your preferred color and storage.
Why Apple could have increased its foldable iPhone orders
Apple’s long-rumored folding iPhone could finally make its debut this fall, according to multiple reports from supply-chain analysts and leakers. Many potential buyers are excited about the idea of an iOS handset small enough to fit in a pocket that opens up to the size of a tablet. But others are skeptical, given the many flaws of early foldable Android-based handsets.
Apple is apparently bullish enough on the design to make a folding iPhone. And it may be very optimistic about the potential, according to a new report.
The new prediction of 10 million units being produced comes from a recent report by Nikkei Asia. Despite the industry-wide memory shortage, Apple is said to be aggressively working to secure the necessary components. Suppliers have reportedly been told to prepare for about 85 million new iPhone orders in the second half of 2026.
Combine that with everything else in the pipeline, and Apple’s 2026 iPhone production could hit around 220 million units. This includes the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max along with the foldable iPhone Ultra.
For context, rival smartphone makers like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have cut down their annual targets to below 100 million units. Apple is also said to ask suppliers to save iPhone 17 components for an upcoming iPhone 18 series model. This is another sign the company is playing defense on supply.
Get ready to pay up
If you’ve been eyeing the foldable iPhone Ultra, brace yourself. Analysis firm IDC recently predicted that the average selling price for the much-rumored phone would be around $2,500, with higher storage configurations going as high as $3,000.
That would make the iPhone Ultra the most expensive Apple phone ever sold by a wide margin. The premium price tag would also be a real test of whether mainstream buyers are willing to pay much more for a foldable device.
The good news is that Apple has reportedly fixed the hinge issues that affected the iPhone Ultra for months, which means it is likely to make an appearance this September. That said, a larger production ramp won’t kick in until later this year, so early buyers may have to deal with limited stocks.