en.Wedoany.com Reported - July 3 news, Apple has asked suppliers to increase production preparation for its first foldable iPhone, raising the target to approximately 10 million units. The previous market expectation was around 7 to 8 million units, representing a nearly 30% increase, indicating that Apple is securing supply chain resources in advance for its foldable product line.
The first foldable iPhone will be a significant hardware form factor change for Apple in recent years. Foldable phones involve flexible OLED panels, hinge structures, ultra-thin glass, screen protective layers, body materials, hinge lifespan testing, and overall device reliability verification, making the supply chain more complex than traditional bar phones. Apple's increase in preparation volume suggests a more optimistic early demand forecast for its foldable products, prompting panel, hinge, assembly, storage, camera module, and precision component suppliers to enter a higher-intensity production preparation phase earlier. For suppliers, preparing for 10 million units requires more stable yield rates, stricter delivery schedules, and sufficient inventory of key components.
Apple has also locked in components for approximately 80 million new iPhones. This arrangement covers inventory preparation for the new iPhone series and addresses supply uncertainties caused by ongoing global shortages of storage chips and electronic components.
Shortages of storage chips, electronic components, and high-end display modules directly impact the mass production pace of smartphone manufacturers. By locking in components early, Apple can reduce production fluctuations caused by tight supplies of DRAM, NAND, MLCC, display driver ICs, power management ICs, and RF components. The foldable iPhone demands higher standards for display panels, hinges, and internal stacking space, with more complex component specifications. After the inventory increase, related suppliers must align with Apple's pace in materials, processes, testing, and assembly consistency. For the entire smartphone industry chain, Apple's entry into the foldable segment will drive continued demand growth for high-end flexible screens, precision hinges, lightweight structural parts, and high-reliability electronic components.
Current information comes from the supply chain level, and Apple has not yet officially announced the launch date, final name, or specific configuration of the foldable iPhone. What is certain is that Apple has raised the production preparation target for its first foldable iPhone to approximately 10 million units and simultaneously locked in components for about 80 million new iPhones, with supply chain preparations moving toward a larger scale.
