Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone may finally be inching closer to reality as the tech giant has reportedly started exploring a test production line in Taiwan. A recent report has shared some insights on the production of the first foldable iPhone, suggesting that the device could be made in India.
According to a report by Nikkei citing industry insiders, Apple is planning to set up a small-scale facility in Taiwan to trial equipment and assembly methods for the foldable device. The report adds that the tech giant will experiment with the display integration, hinge durability, and material engineering at the Taiwan facility before ramping up its production in India.
Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly targeting 95 million iPhones for its 2026 lineup, a significant jump of over 10% compared to the previous year. This would result in annual shipments exceeding 240 million units worldwide. This year, Apple is targeting a production of 85 million units for the newly launched iPhone 17 series, with total shipments expected to be around 220 million devices in 2025.
Apple is expected to unveil its first-ever foldable iPhone in September 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. However, the official details are yet to come.
Earlier, a Taipei-based market research firm TrendForce tipped that the foldable iPhone is expected to sport a 5.5-inch external cover display alongside a 7.8-inch inner foldable screen. Popular Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also hinted that Apple’s first foldable will feature a crease-free inner display supplied by Samsung Display. A custom metal hinge and backplate, reportedly designed by Fine M-Tec, could improve durability and reduce the mechanical stress of repeated folding.
In terms of build, Apple is said to be opting for a titanium frame with a hinge made from a mix of titanium and stainless steel. Camera-wise, the foldable iPhone might carry a dual rear setup along with a single front-facing camera. Interestingly, reports suggest Apple could ditch Face ID for this model, instead integrating Touch ID in the power button for biometric authentication.
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Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously suggested that the foldable iPhone may carry a premium tag of around $2,000 (approx. Rs 1,65,000).