Foldable iPhone in the Works: Apple Prepares for 2026 Debut

Apple Inc. (AAPL, Financials) has started trial production of its long-rumored foldable iPhone, according to a report from Nikkei Asia. The company is working with suppliers in Taiwan and may begin mass production in India in 2026 if testing goes smoothly.

Foxconn, Apple's longtime manufacturing partner, is involved in the effort. Analysts expect the foldable device to use ultra-thin glass, which is harder and more expensive to produce than conventional smartphone glass. TF International's Ming-Chi Kuo said the glass costs could be two to four times higher, but Apple appears confident in demand.

Kuo noted that Apple has lifted its shipment forecast for 2026 to 810 million units, up from 68 million previously. Projections for 2027 have also been increased to as many as 25 million units. Some analysts believe this year's launch of the iPhone Air is meant to set the stage for the foldable model.

For investors, the report signals that Apple is preparing a major new hardware cycle in 2026, with the foldable iPhone positioned as a premium driver alongside the existing lineup.