First foldable iPhone could come out in 2026: Apple prepares test line in Taiwan
By ForGeeks
Apple, long left out of the foldable smartphone race, is still planning to unveil its first foldable iPhone. According to sources, the company is preparing a «mini-pilot» — test production line in Taiwan. If the project proves successful, the mass production of the device will be moved to India, and the official release is possible as early as in 2026.
Test production in Taiwan
Apple intends to roll out a small production line in the near future, aiming to —tweak equipment and manufacturing processes for the upcoming foldable iPhone. According to insiders, suppliers are even considering plots of land in northern Taiwan for the construction.
The project is still in the discussion stage, however. Even a test run would require about 1,000 workers, which could be a problem given the labor shortage in the local market.
Mass production in India and sales projections
After perfecting the technology, Apple expects to move mass production of the foldable iPhone to India. It’s part of a strategy to reduce dependence on China, where most of Apple’s capacity is still concentrated. Increased tensions between the U.S. and China have only accelerated the process of supply chain diversification.
After the technology is perfected, Apple expects to move mass production of the folding iPhone to India.
The company is setting ambitious targets: forecast iPhone production in 2026 —about 95 million units, up more than 10% from the previous year. Total shipments of Apple smartphones could exceed 240 million units.
In comparison, in 2025, about 85 million iPhone 17 units are expected to be produced, and total shipments will be about 220 million smartphones. According to experts, the foldable model could push sales not only in the premium segment, but also in the entire iPhone lineup.
What will be the foldable iPhone
Although the design is being kept secret, sources suggest that the device will be more compact and wider than its competitors. It may resemble Pixel Fold in appearance. Such a form factor will allow Apple to stand out from Samsung, Huawei and other brands that have been developing foldable models for several years.
