Apple Raises Sales Targets as iPhone Fold Nears 2026 Launch
According to a current analysis, the iPhone Fold is expected for 2026. The first foldable iPad from Apple is also scheduled to start in 2028. In Cupertino, one seems to be convinced of the success of the foldables and expects significantly higher sales figures than before.
Apple significantly raises sales goals for iPhone fold
There have been several rumors for Apple’s first foldable iPhone for some time. The smartphone should rely on everything that is innovative and clearly better in at least two aspects than the competition. At the same time, the device could be surprisingly ‘cheap’. The fact that Apple has great confidence in its first foldable iPhone is now also reflected in the supposed sales forecasts, which are said to have recently been significantly corrected upwards. The company therefore now expects eight to ten million units sold in 2026 instead of the originally predicted six to eight million. For 2027, expectations are even more optimistic. With 20 to 25 million iPhone Fold devices sold, Apple also expects significantly more compared to the previous estimates of ten to 15 million.
These increased expectations indicate that Apple probably no longer sees foldable smartphones as a niche product, but as a mass -compatible technology. The foldable iPhone is to be launched in 2026 as part of the iPhone-18 series and could mark an important turning point in Apple’s product strategy.
nalyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities published these figures in one current market analysis. Kuo is considered one of the most reliable Apple analysts and collects its information from Apple’s Asian supply chains. His forecasts have often proven to be correct in the past, especially with new Apple product categories. Nevertheless, there is of course no guarantee that the predictions will arrive.
Foldable iPad planned as a second mainstay
In addition to the iPhone Fold, Apple Kuo also plans a foldable iPad for 2028. For this device, the company expects 0.5 to one million units sold. The foldable iPad should be between 18- and 20-inch if it is opened and become significantly more expensive than the iPhone fold.
Apple sees the foldable iPad more as a niche product for professional users and creative people, while the foldable iPhone is supposed to find significantly wider encouragement. The different sales expectations reflect this strategic direction. The large iPad could be positioned as a laptop replacement and compete directly with Microsoft’s Surface product line.
Technical hurdles
Both devices are to be equipped with Ultra-tehin Glass (UTG), which is delivered by Corning. The processing of the UTG is particularly demanding, since the glass reacts highly sensitive to microre on the edges, surface particles and fatigue. This could increase the cost of two to four times compared to conventional smartphone glass.
Apple has been working on the development of foldable displays for several years and has registered numerous patents in this area. The challenge is not only in the display technology itself, but also in the integration of components such as cameras, sensors and batteries in the foldable design. The durability of the hinge mechanism is another critical factor that could decide on success or failure.
Competition by Samsung is already established
Apple is entering a market with its foldable iPhone that Samsung has dominated since 2019. Samsung launched his first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, in April 2019, but initially had significant durability problems. Test devices failed after a few days, which led to a shift in the market. In the meantime, Samsung has significantly improved its foldable smartphones and dominates the still small but growing market. Samsung’s current Galaxy Z Fold 7- and Z Flip 7 models have developed into real sellers.
The Koreans’ foldables are available from 999 or 1199 and 2099, which probably also specifies the price framework for Apple’s competitive product. Other manufacturers such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo have also developed foldable smartphones, but mainly for the Chinese market. Google sells its own pixel fold, which has so far only been available in selected markets.
With its market entry in 2026, Apple could benefit from the experience of the competition and at the same time from its strong ecosystem and the brand loyalty of its customers.
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