Photo credit: X/@AndroidheadlineApple has increased its production plan for its first foldable iPhone to about 10 million units, according to Nikkei Asia, quoting sources familiar with the development. This new target, revised from 7 million to 8 million units initially predicted, comes before the expected release of the phone together with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max this year. In case this report proves to be true, this will become one of the most definitive hints that Apple will soon be releasing its first foldable phone, which is rumoured to debut under the name of iPhone Ultra. Apple has increased its target for the manufacturing of the foldable iPhone to 10 million units. Prior estimates indicated that the initial target for the manufacture was 7 to 8 million units. The target manufacturing of the iPhone in 2026 is estimated to surpass 220 million units. Suppliers have been requested to allocate some components for the iPhone 17 for the future iPhone 18 range. The foldable iPhone will launch with the iPhone 18 Pro range and may be known as the iPhone Ultra.Apple reportedly increases foldable iPhone production plansApple has been reported as giving directions to its suppliers for manufacturing approximately 10 million units of foldable iPhones by 2026. This new number comes as a revision of previous numbers, which had stated that Apple would manufacture between 7 and 8 million devices initially. Although the company has not yet officially announced this device, the current number implies that Apple is ramping up its manufacturing plans.The foldable iPhone is predicted to be launched with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, with the launch expected to happen in September. The foldable phone will be known as the book foldable, with rumours indicating that it will be named iPhone Ultra.Apple reportedly prepares for production of more than 220 million iPhonesAccording to the report, Apple has also reserved components for about 80 million iPhones slated for manufacturing in the second half of 2026. These are believed to be the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first-ever foldable iPhone of Apple.In total, it is estimated that the production of iPhones in 2026 will be in excess of 220 million units, as per the report. Amongst these, about 70 million units each of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models have been requested by the suppliers. Separately, some suppliers have also been told to prepare for possible orders of up to 85 million new iPhones during the second half of the year, while reserving certain iPhone 17 components for the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup.Report says Apple remains better positioned amid industry memory shortageThe report says Apple's purchasing power has left the company better positioned than several smartphone rivals during the ongoing industry-wide memory shortage. As indicated by the report, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo have individually lowered their respective yearly output targets below 100 million pieces. Meanwhile, Apple has maintained higher yearly output targets in contrast.Additionally, the yearly output target also indicates that Apple is set to experience one of the biggest yearly cycles in terms of products with the launch of its foldable iPhone.Foldable iPhone hinge issues reportedly resolvedAccording to the report, the engineering problems associated with the folding of the iPhone have been sorted out. The only issue is that this will mean the shipment numbers being relatively small initially due to the ramping up of production towards the latter part of the year.There is no information about when this higher-level production would start, but the report hints at the production taking off towards the end of 2026.Premium specifications and pricing expectedThe report claims Apple's first foldable smartphone could feature a 7.8-inch inner display paired with a 5.5-inch cover display. It is also rumoured to include Touch ID instead of Face ID, Apple's upcoming A20 chip, and the company's C2 modem.Pricing is also expected to place the device in the ultra-premium segment. According to the report, the foldable iPhone could carry an average selling price of around $2,500, while higher-storage variants may cost up to $3,000. The device is expected to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series later this year.Frequently Asked QuestionsQ1. What is the estimated production capacity of Apple's first foldable iPhone?As per the report, Apple has told its suppliers to manufacture around 10 million foldable iPhones by 2026, against 7 to 8 million previously estimated.Q2. What has been predicted about Apple's total production of iPhones?As per the report, Apple will manufacture more than 220 million iPhones in 2026 and has ordered components of around 80 million smartphones for production in the second half of the year.Q3. What are the expected specifications of the foldable iPhone from Apple?The foldable iPhone is rumoured to come equipped with a 7.8-inch internal display, 5.5-inch cover display, Touch ID, A20 chipset, and C2 modem of Apple, as per the report.Q4. Why might the initial production of Apple's foldable iPhone be affected?As per the report, the engineering problems regarding the hinge of the foldable iPhone have reportedly been solved, but its initial shipment can still be constrained due to increased production later on.end of article