Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Launch in 2026, Potentially Made in India
While the iPhone 17 series goes on sale tomorrow, Apple is already looking ahead to its next big milestone: the first iPhone foldable. Widely anticipated, the device is expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 18 series in 2026, with the company reportedly making detailed production plans.
According to a new report, Apple may even assemble its first foldable iPhone in India—a significant achievement for the country’s manufacturing sector. Reuters cites sources indicating that Apple is currently testing foldable production in Taiwan, aiming to replicate and scale the process in India ahead of the 2026 launch. The company is targeting a 10% overall production increase, partly driven by the new foldable model.
Nikkei reports that Apple plans to first establish production processes with its Taiwanese suppliers before rolling out mass production in India. While this raises questions about potential pricing, Apple’s products are rarely budget-friendly. From the Vision Pro headset to the Watch Ultra, Apple has consistently maintained premium price points. The foldable segment, dominated by models like Samsung’s Z Fold 7 priced above Rs 2 lakh for the 1TB variant, aligns perfectly with Apple’s strategy to target high-end consumers.
The recently launched iPhone Air also hints at Apple’s approach for the foldable: compact design, all components integrated into a single module, and a focus on creating a product that captures widespread attention. With this strategy, the iPhone Fold is poised to make a statement in the premium smartphone market.
