Apple is showing strong confidence in its upcoming foldable iPhone by ramping up orders for foldable display panels. According to a new report from Jim Lee for DigiTimes Asia, the company has increased its foldable display inventory by 20% as it prepares for the device’s anticipated launch later this year.
The move comes despite a broader slowdown in the foldable smartphone market, where competitors have seen mixed results. Apple appears undeterred, positioning its first foldable iPhone — widely referred to as the iPhone Fold — as a premium entry that could revitalize the category with its signature design, build quality, and ecosystem integration.
The inventory boost aligns with Apple’s ongoing supply chain activities for the book-style foldable device. Recent reports indicate that trial production has already begun, though mass production timing has seen some adjustments. Apple has not signaled any change to its overall launch window, with a fall 2026 debut still expected — likely alongside or near the iPhone 18 series.
Suppliers, particularly Samsung Display, are central to the effort. Earlier projections suggested Apple was targeting around 13–15 million foldable panels initially, with some reports indicating an increase toward 20 million units. The latest 20% inventory hike reflects Apple’s bullish outlook on initial demand, even as the company takes a measured approach to its first-generation foldable product.
This preparation is expected to benefit key partners across the supply chain, including Foxconn (for assembly) and TSMC (for advanced components), potentially lifting their order volumes as Apple builds buffer stock for a strong launch.
The foldable market has grown more cautiously in recent years, with some analysts noting softer-than-expected sales for existing Android-based foldables. Apple’s entry is viewed as a potential game-changer, thanks to its massive installed base of iPhone users and reputation for polished hardware.
However, the company is reportedly taking a conservative stance on initial shipments. Some supply chain sources suggest Apple may aim for around 3 million units in the first wave to test market reception before scaling up aggressively if demand exceeds expectations.
Multiple reports confirm that Apple is pushing forward, with engineering refinements continuing in parallel to the increased display orders.
Rumors point to a book-style design that unfolds into a larger screen roughly the size of an iPad mini, while remaining compact when closed. Apple is said to be prioritizing thinness, battery efficiency, and crease reduction in the foldable display — areas where it has reportedly worked closely with suppliers to meet its high standards.
Pricing is expected to be premium, likely starting well above $1,500, positioning it as a halo product rather than a volume leader in its debut year.
Apple’s decision to increase foldable display inventory by 20% signals clear intent: the company believes its foldable iPhone can succeed where others have struggled, by delivering a refined experience that appeals to both existing iPhone loyalists and new foldable enthusiasts.
MacDailyNews Take: The foldable iPhone will likely mark one of the most significant product evolutions in the company’s history since the original iPhone.
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If they would iPad this thing, they could blow the market away well beyond just the foldable market of $2k or so! Duh!…
Jobs was someone who thought “big” like really, really, big. The iPad was expected to to start at $999 or higher. Jobs came in and crushed it at an amazing $499. They sold in the volumes that made the price point work.
Was it a risk?
YES! YES IT WAS! But Jobs was smart. This crew? Not so much. And you know what, if it didn’t work, the iPad would have died off anyway. Move on.
Jobs did with with his beloved Cube. And it died. Okay, next!
Take some friggin’ chances!
If Apple had a starting price of $1,499 they might not be able to keep up with demand.
If Apple launched at $1,699, probably zero problems keeping up, and a pretty aggressive place for that segment (but not pulling many people north as a result either…).
If Apple launched in that $1,999 range, this is DOA. So dumb. Perhaps they should just start open Apple Store: The Rich and Stupid stores across the country and put this phone and the Vision Pro there and just build out that lineup, because that’s where they seem to be headed if the $1,999 starting price point is real.
Once upon a time Apple entered a market, not be a a player or a me too, but rather, to absolutely dominate it.
Today? They are a super small niche player with Vision Pro. They will be a small nice with the foldable iPhone Ultra. They will be a super small niche with super expensive glasses.
None of their massive price points will move the needle.
I keep thinking Apple will go Neo with other products like Vision Pro in its next revamp and be laser focused on subsidizing and building out more and more subscriptions. Nope… Thanks Tim. Now, can you leave yesterday please?!
Selling the most premium iPhone ever made like it’s an entry-level iPad is probably the stupidest thing Apple could do. Like many dumb comments I’ve heard about Apple over the years “no one will wear AirPods, they look ridiculous!”, “an iPhone for over $1000? Nobody will buy that!”, “Apple Watch is DOA, no one wants to buy a new watch every year”, this one will age like milk.
There is so much pent-up demand iPhone Fold that it should be affecting upgrades from 16Pro and 16Pro Max to 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. That is the ‘leading indicator,’ Apple would have seen to increase and adjust the market demand up by 20%,
If you do not understand ‘leading indicator,’ please ask an economist.