Apple is reportedly showing strong confidence in its upcoming foldable products, which are slated to launch in the second half of the year.
According to the Economic Daily News, sources say Apple has significantly increased supply chain inventory preparations for its forthcoming foldable phone, raising orders by about 20% above the original target. The report adds that partners including Foxconn, Largan Precision, and TSMC are expected to see increased orders.
Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable segment — which may be dubbed the “iPhone Fold” or, per a new report, the “iPhone Ultra” — is also expected to have broader implications for the overall market. According to TrendForce, the launch of Apple’s first foldable device in the second half of 2026 is projected to lift foldable smartphone penetration from 1.6% in 2025 to over 3% in 2027.
About the foldable iPhone
Trendforce has rounded up various rumors about the iPhone Fold/iPhone Ultra:
° According to South Korean outlet The Elec, Apple is reviewing the use of transparent polyimide (PI) film as the protective layer placed on top of the ultra-thin glass (UTG) cover window for its debut foldable product, which is expected to launch in the second half of this year. The report says Apple is evaluating both polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and transparent PI film as candidates for the protective layer applied over UTG. With Apple reportedly weighing PI film, Kolon Industries has emerged as a potential supplier.
° According to PhoneArena, Apple may revise button placement, with the foldable iPhone’s volume buttons reportedly moving to the top-right edge instead of the left side. The power button—doubling as Touch ID—and the camera control button would remain on the right. The report notes that consolidating all buttons on one side avoids routing ribbon cables across the folding area, reducing potential hinge failure points over time.
° According to MacRumors, the internal structure is said to adopt a stacked architecture, with most of the space dedicated to the display and battery. This means the device may feature the largest battery ever used in an iPhone. The iPhone Fold may include a 5.5-inch cover display, Touch ID, dual rear cameras, the A20 chip, and the “C2” modem.
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