Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is preparing one of its most significant iPhone product rollouts in years, with plans to introduce at least five new models between the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027, according to a report from Nikkei Asia.
Apple shares rose 0.9% in premarket trading on Thursday following the report.
Foldable iPhone production target increased
According to Nikkei Asia, citing people familiar with the matter, Apple has instructed suppliers to prepare for the production of around 10 million foldable iPhones this year.
The revised target is higher than the company’s previous estimate of between 7 million and 8 million units, signalling increased confidence in demand for its first foldable smartphone.
Apple targets premium smartphone segment
The expanded launch schedule highlights Apple’s efforts to strengthen its position in the premium smartphone market as competition intensifies.
Foldable devices have become an increasingly important segment of the industry, with rivals including Samsung Electronics (KS:005930) and Huawei Technologies already offering multiple foldable smartphone models.
Apple’s reported plans suggest the company is preparing to compete more aggressively in this fast-growing category.
Supply chain costs remain a challenge
The reported production expansion comes as Apple continues to navigate higher component costs and ongoing supply-chain pressures.
The company recently increased prices for several Mac and iPad models, citing rising costs for memory and storage chips. Apple executives have also cautioned that sustained increases in component prices could eventually influence future iPhone pricing.