Apple Considering Test Production Line for Foldable iPhone, Aiming for 10% Shipment Growth by 2026

Apple’s Ambitious Plans for 2026: Foldable iPhone and Growth Targets

In a significant potential shift for the smartphone market, Apple is reportedly gearing up to increase its smartphone shipments by 10% in 2026. A key element of this strategy includes the anticipated launch of a foldable iPhone, which aims to captivate consumer interest and boost sales figures.

Apple is reportedly testing foldable iPhones in Taiwan, aiming to boost total phone shipments by 10% in 2026, with a preliminary target of producing around 95 million units. The tech giant expects the launch of its foldable model to drive overall iPhone demand, benefiting even…

— First Squawk (@FirstSquawk) September 17, 2025

Production Strategy and Collaboration with Suppliers

According to Nikkei Asia, Apple has opened discussions with suppliers to establish a test production line for the foldable iPhone, preparing for mass production potentially slated for India in 2026, with a target of around 95 million units. This strategic move indicates Apple’s commitment to innovation in the smartphone sector.

Apple Targets 10% Shipment Growth In 2026, Sees Foldable iPhone As Key Driver – Nikkei

— First Squawk (@FirstSquawk) September 17, 2025

Market Forecasts and Historical Context

Apple’s objective for a 10% increase in shipments in 2026 is grounded in recent performance metrics. In 2024, Apple shipped approximately 232 million iPhones. Analysts from IDC predict an additional 4% growth in 2025, approximating a total of 241 million units shipped this year. This trajectory suggests that reaching around 265 million units in 2026 could set an unprecedented record for the brand.

Historically, since 2015, iPhone shipments have fluctuated between 200 million and just below 250 million units annually, making this forward-looking goal particularly noteworthy.

Current Shipment Trends and Delays

Adding to this narrative, analysts at Bank of America, led by Wamsi Mohan, have reported longer shipment delays for the new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max compared to their iPhone 16 predecessors. Current shipping times show:

iPhone 17 Pro: Average shipping time of 18 days (up from 14 days for iPhone 16 Pro)
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Average shipping time of 25 days (up from 23 days for iPhone 16 Pro Max)
Base iPhone 17: Average shipping of 19 days (compared to 10 days for the base iPhone 16)

These prolonged shipping times for the base model of iPhone 17 are the most significant observed in several years, with comparisons tracing back to the iPhone 11 launch in 2019.

As Apple prepares for its next potential breakthrough, the tech world is watching closely. The introduction of a foldable iPhone could redefine user experiences and reshape market dynamics.

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