Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) is seeking to conduct trial production for a foldable iPhone.

It is reported that Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) is considering trial production of a foldable iPhone. According to reports, the company has been in discussions with multiple suppliers in Taiwan, China. Sources say that if the testing goes well, the tech giant and its manufacturing partners may start mass production of the foldable iPhone in India at some point in 2026. Analyst Guo Mingchi of TF International Securities recently stated that the foldable iPhone will use ultra-thin glass. Ultra-thin glass is "very sensitive to cracks, particles, and stress on the edges", making it more difficult to manufacture than traditional smartphone glass and also more costly, possibly two to four times higher. Despite some related issues, Apple Inc. seems confident in the sales prospects of the foldable iPhone. Guo Mingchi added that the company recently raised its shipment forecast for the device in 2026 from the previous 6-8 million units to 8-10 million units. In addition, the company currently expects shipments in 2027 to be between 20-25 million units, compared to the previous forecast of 10-15 million units. Some analysts suggest that the iPhone Air product released this year is laying the foundation for the upcoming foldable iPhone, which is expected to be launched in 2026.