Apple increases foldable iPhone stock by 20%, TSMC and Foxconn receive more orders

```

Apple is signaling strong confidence in its first foldable iPhone by stocking up far beyond its original target, with its key Taiwan supply chain partners fully entering the mass production preparation stage.

According to Taiwan's Economic Daily, citing sources, Apple has increased inventory for the foldable phone supply chain by about 20% compared to the initial target, with Hon Hai, Largan, and TSMC expected to receive more orders as a result. Key components are expected to start shipping from the end of Q2 to Q3 this year, with the official product launch locked in before the end of the year.

Recent statements by Hon Hai Chairman Liu Yangwei have further corroborated this information. According to reports, Liu said a major client has “tremendous confidence” in its forthcoming foldable product, and that this client is a global leader with extremely high standards. The market widely believes Liu is referring to Apple.

Apple’s entry is expected to have a profound boosting effect on the foldable phone market. According to TrendForce, with Apple's first foldable device launching in the second half of 2026, global foldable smartphone penetration is expected to rise from 1.6% in 2025 to over 3% in 2027.

Division of Labor Clear for Four Top Taiwanese Manufacturers, Led by TSMC and Hon Hai

The Economic Daily reports the supply chain division for the first-generation iPhone Fold is basically settled, with four Taiwanese firms taking distinct roles: Hon Hai is responsible for assembly, TSMC for processor manufacturing, Largan supplies high-end camera lenses, and Xinjixing provides core hinge components.

The report indicates supply chain operations are already fully activated, marking the product’s official transition into mass production preparation.

Price Around $2000, Positioned as Ultra High-End Product Line

According to Forbes citing Bloomberg, the foldable iPhone is expected to retail at about $2,000, feature a 7.8-inch crease-free internal display, and incorporate new technologies such as under-screen sensors, with rumors suggesting Touch ID will be integrated into the power button to restore fingerprint recognition.

The foldable iPhone forms part of Apple’s strategy to move further up-market with its "Ultra" product line, which may also include next-generation AirPods and a high-end MacBook Pro with a touch screen. Both price and positioning indicate Apple sees foldable devices as a new carrier for brand premium, rather than mass-market models.

Liquid Metal Hinge as Core Technology Highlight

Among all components, the hinge is regarded as the most critical structural part for foldable phones. Reports indicate Apple has co-developed a high-strength liquid metal hinge technology with suppliers; this material offers low deformation and high toughness, theoretically greatly improving folding durability while maintaining an exquisite hand feel.

The choice of this technological path reflects Apple’s consistent high standards for product quality and user experience as it enters the foldable market. Liu Yangwei also emphasized that although their foldable device enters the market later than competitors, "it will certainly launch as a mainstream model," and the client’s standards are extremely high.

Apple’s Entry May Reshape the Foldable Screen Market Landscape

TrendForce data show that in 2025 global foldable smartphone penetration is only 1.6%, with the market still relatively small. However, after Apple is expected to launch its first foldable device in the second half of 2026, penetration is projected to exceed 3% in 2027, nearly doubling growth.

With its vast user base and brand influence, Apple has always had the power to redefine niche markets. The substantial inventory increase and fully activated supply chain reflect Apple’s significant confidence in the commercial prospects of its first-generation foldable iPhone.

Risk Disclosure and DisclaimerThe market carries risks and investment requires caution. This article does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it take into account the individual investment objectives, financial condition, or needs of any specific user. Users should consider whether any opinions, points of view, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their particular situation. If you invest based on this, you do so at your own risk. ```