Apple reportedly orders 10M foldable iPhone Ultra models, which could sell for around $2500

Apple plans to manufacture and sell around 10 million foldable iPhone Ultra models, according to a new report. That’s roughly a third more than the average build targets previously expected.

Nikkei Asia reports that Apple has raised the foldable iPhone production target to around 10 million units. Previous estimates ranged from 7 to 8 million units.

Apple has told suppliers to prepare to produce about 10 million foldable iPhones this year, up from a previous forecast of some 7 million to 8 million units a few months ago, sources familiar with the matter said.

The report adds another 70 million units would consist of the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The additional 80 million units of new iPhone models being introduced in the second half of 2026 would bring the total units ordered for the year to 220 million, per the report. IDC recently forecasted that Apple would ship close to 240 million iPhones in 2026.

The report later says that Apple has told some suppliers to expect as many as 85 million new iPhone orders in the second half of 2026.

Apple has given some suppliers a forecast of up to 85 million new iPhones for the second half 2026, and told suppliers to reserve some common components and parts used in the iPhone 17 series for the upcoming iPhone 18 premium series, sources said, adding that the U.S. tech giant is moving aggressively to secure components amid the ongoing shortages.

As for the first foldable iPhone, Apple is expected to tag it with a premium price. IDC recently predicted that the iPhone Ultra will carry an average selling price of $2500 with storage options priced as much as $3000.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra in September. The foldable iPhone could launch after the iPhone 18 Pro models, although it’s still expected to arrive this year.

Meanwhile, Apple isn’t expected to replace the standard iPhone 17 with the iPhone 18 until spring. This would extend the life of the iPhone 17 on the market from the typical 12-month run to around 18 months. Apple is similarly expected to upgrade the iPhone Air introduced in September 2025 with a new model in spring 2026.