Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is looking into test production of the widely speculated foldable iPhone: in Taiwan, having held talks with various suppliers, Nikkei Asia reported.
If the tests go well, the tech giant and its manufacturing partners could begin mass production of the foldable iPhone in India sometime in 2026, the news outlet added, citing sources.
Hon Hai Precision, informally known as Foxconn Technology (OTCPK:FXCOF), is Apple’s manufacturing partner for its iPhones and other devices.
The foldable iPhone is expected to have ultra-thin glass, TF International Securities’ analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said recently. Ultra-thin glass is “highly sensitive” to cracks on the edges, as well as particles and stress, making it harder to create than conventional smartphone glass. It’s also more expensive, with costs likely between two and four times higher than conventional glass, Kuo said.
Despite the issues related to it, Apple appears confident in the selling prospects of the foldable iPhone. The company recently revised its shipment forecasts for the device to between 8M and 10M devices in 2026, up from a previous estimate of 6M to 8M, Kuo added. It also now expects shipments in 2027 to be between 20M and 25M, up from a previous forecast of 10M and 15M.
Some analysts said the introduction of the iPhone Air this year is laying the groundwork for the foldable version of the iPhone, expected to be announced in 2026.
Apple and Foxconn did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Seeking Alpha.