A foldable iPhone Ultra could cost up to $3,000? Apple orders as many as 10 million of them

Povećane narudžbe i velika očekivanja

According to a new report from Nikkei Asia, Apple has raised its production target for the foldable iPhone to approximately ten million units. This represents a significant increase compared to previous estimates, which ranged from seven to eight million units just a few months ago. This move suggests that Apple has high confidence in the demand for its first foldable device, despiteč to its expectedly high price.

Sources familiar with the situation state that Apple is moreć informed its suppliers of the new plans.

​- Apple has told suppliers to prepare to produce around 10 million foldable iPhones this year, an increase from an earlier forecast of seven to eight million units. They were also told to reserve some common components and parts used in the iPhone 17 series for the upcoming premium iPhone 18 series, as the tech giant moves aggressively to secure components amid ongoing shortages, sources said.

In addition to the foldable model, the report adds that an additional 70 million units will consist of the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. In total, around 80 million new iPhone models are expected to be introduced in the second half of 2026, so the total number of units ordered for the whole year would rise to 220 million. Some suppliers have even received a forecast of orders of up to 85 million new iPhones in the second half of the year.

A premium price for a game-changing device

As expected from Apple’s first device in a new category, the iPhone Ultra will carry a premium price. The analyst house IDC recently predicted that the average selling price of this model will be around 2,500 US dollars, while versions with a larger storage capacity could reach a price of up to 3,000 dollars. This would make the iPhone Ultra one of the most expensive smartphones on the market, positioning itself as a luxury technological product.

Apple’s entry into this market is considered a potential turning point. Analysts believe that the appearance of the foldable iPhone could stimulate the mass acceptance of this technology, which until now was reserved for enthusiasts and those with deep pockets. Currently, the market is dominated by Samsung, with the increasingly strong presence of Chinese manufacturers such as Honor and Xiaomi, but Apple’s arrival will surely fundamentally change the dynamics of the market match.

What does this mean for the rest of the offer?

Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Ultra in September. Although it is possible that the folding model will arrive on the market a little later than the Pro model, it is still expected to be available by the end of the year.

Interestingly, Apple reportedly does not plan to replace the standard iPhone 17 model with the new iPhone 18 until spring. This would extend the life of the iPhone 17 on the market from the usual 12 to approximately 18 months. A similar fate awaits the iPhone Air model, presented in September 2025, whose successor is also not expected before the spring of 2026. This change in strategy could mean that Apple is redefining its product refresh cycles to make room for a new, ultra-premium category.