Apple's folding screen iPhone supply target has been raised to 10 million units, 30% higher than previous expectations.

``` Apple is accelerating its development of folding screen devices, using them as a new growth driver in the high-end market. On July 2, according to Nikkei Asia citing insider sources, Apple has raised its production preparation target for its first folding screen iPhone this year to about 10 million units, higher than the previously estimated 7 to 8 million units. At the same time, the company has secured around 80 million units’ worth of components for its new iPhones in the supply chain, and has required suppliers to reserve some universal components in advance for next year’s iPhone 18 series to cope with the ongoing global shortage of memory chips and electronic components. The report cites insiders saying that Apple hopes to leverage its bargaining power in the supply chain to expand its market share amid the industry-wide shortage of memory, further widening the gap with Android manufacturers. Folding Screen Stock Significantly Increased, Apple Ups High-End Product Line Reports indicate Apple has notified suppliers that the production preparation scale for its first folding screen iPhone is being increased to about 10 million units. Meanwhile, Apple has locked in about 80 million units’ worth of smartphone components for new models launching in the second half of 2026, including: iPhone Pro, iPhone Pro Max, and the first folding screen iPhone. According to supply chain plans, Apple’s total iPhone production for 2026 (including current and new models) is expected to exceed 220 million units. However, supply chain insiders also noted that, due to the brand-new structural design of folding screen products, true mass production may not begin until the end of this year. While Apple has largely solved the engineering challenges of the folding hinge and is expected to start small batches after the autumn launch, manufacturing yield rates still need further improvement. Previously, the market had reported that Apple’s first folding screen iPhone project was delayed due to engineering challenges with the hinge design, but those issues have now seen significant improvement. Apple Product Launch Schedule Sees Biggest Change in Recent Years In addition to folding screen devices, Apple also plans to adjust the future release strategy for iPhones. The report states that the focus of the second half of this year remains on high-end models, including the Pro, Pro Max, and the first folding screen iPhone, while the standard edition iPhone has been postponed for the first time to the first half of 2027. Under current planning, Apple will launch at least two new models in early 2027, including: standard iPhone 18 and a brand new generation iPhone Air. Apple is also preparing to update its entry-level iPhone product line, though the specific release time is not yet finalized. If the plans proceed smoothly, Apple will launch at least five new iPhones within less than a year, marking the most aggressive product update schedule in recent years. Analysis indicates Apple hopes to use more frequent product launches to cover various price ranges, strengthening its competitive edge in the high-end market while further encroaching on the market share of competitors like Samsung. Storage Costs Remain the Biggest Variable Despite Apple having the strongest bargaining power in the industry supply chain, the continuously rising prices of memory chips are still putting pressure on the company. Since the start of this year, Apple has continuously raised the prices of MacBook and iPad, with the starting price of some high-end MacBook models several hundred dollars higher than the previous generation. Apple CEO Tim Cook has also publicly admitted that tight memory chip supply and rising costs have become a significant challenge for the company. As of now, Apple has not adjusted the price of the soon to be released iPhone 17 series. However, several supply chain insiders say that if memory prices continue to rise, Apple may further increase the price of new iPhones, and the eventual market demand could prompt Apple to adjust its production plans again. Risk Warning and Disclaimer The market contains risks; investment requires caution. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not take into account individual users' specific investment goals, financial circumstances, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, viewpoints, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their particular situation. Investing based on this is at their own risk. ```