Apple Eyes Foldable iPhone Production in Taiwan, India

• Apple plans foldable iPhone test in Taiwan, mass production in India for 2026.
• Book-style design: 7.8-inch inner, 5.5-inch cover display; $2,000–2,500 price.
• Analyst Kuo predicts 3–5M initial units, strong demand if quality high.

As reported by CNBC TV18 and based on information from Nikkei Asia, Apple is taking strides toward advancing its foldable iPhone initiative, taking the step of talking to suppliers whether or not to put together a test production line in Taiwan, with mass production to take place in India for a possible launch late in 2026.

Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted specifications will be worked out by Q2 2025 while mass production will be underway by Q4 2026 with initial production being limited to 3–5 million units due to technical issues. The price range of the foldable iPhone is likely to be between $2000–$2500 (₹1.74–2.18 lakh), with demand from 'Apple fans' being likely if the product meets premium expectations.

The upcoming foldable iPhone will embody a book-style form factor, with a creaseless 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover display. The device will be enclosed in a titanium alloy body, with a combination stainless steel-titanium hinge. The foldable will have a thickness of 9–9.5mm when folded, and 4.5–4.8mm when open.

Also Read: Apple to Manufacture All iPhone 17 Models in India for First Time

The inner hardware may not accommodate Face ID due to space limitations, which may bring about the return of Touch ID on the side button if developers choose that path. The foldable iPhone also aims to be AI-focused, with a larger display for multi-modality (ie. using two chatbots and maps together) and functioning on semi-persistent and persistent productivity across apps at the same time—originally purposeful of course.

This signifies Apple's foray into the foldable segment in line with the global foldable market trends, with shipments expected to hit 20 million by 2027 for its second-generation device. This strategy also supports Apple's growing commitment to India as part of its supply chain diversification strategy with the rising volume of iPhone assembly in that country. Kuo emphasized that "specifications will be determined by the end of Q2 2025, with mass production starting in Q4 2026." The move represents Apple's commitment to innovation and could potentially help the company gain market share in the premium segments.