Apple has reportedly told suppliers to prepare for production of approximately 10 million foldable iPhone Ultra units, according to Nikkei Asia. This represents a significant increase from earlier estimates of 7-8 million units, signaling the company's confidence in the new form factor. The foldable model could debut with a premium price tag around $2500, potentially reaching $3000 for higher storage configurations.

The production boost comes as Apple secures components amid ongoing supply chain shortages. These 10 million foldable units join 70 million iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, bringing total 2026 orders to roughly 220 million units. IDC forecasts Apple will ship close to 240 million iPhones that year, suggesting the company expects strong demand across its lineup.

Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra in September 2026. The foldable model may launch slightly after the Pro variants. Notably, Apple won't replace the standard iPhone 17 with iPhone 18 until spring, extending the current model's market presence to about 18 months instead of the usual 12.

This aggressive production strategy positions Apple to compete with Samsung's established foldable lineup while testing market appetite for premium foldable devices. The pricing and volume targets suggest Apple views the foldable segment as a high-margin opportunity rather than a volume play.