Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities announced that Apple (AAPL, Financial) is set to finalize the specifications for its first-generation foldable iPhone this quarter. The project will officially commence next quarter, with mass production slated for the fourth quarter of next year. The second-generation foldable iPhone is expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2027.
The complexity of the first-generation foldable iPhone is anticipated to limit its production scale, a situation likely to persist until 2027. The first batch of these innovative devices is expected to ship between 3 million to 5 million units next year. By 2027, the combined shipments of both the first and second-generation foldable iPhones could reach up to 20 million units.
The initial foldable iPhone is projected to retail at over $2,000, potentially exceeding $2,500. Despite the high price, strong demand for device upgrades is expected if product quality meets consumer expectations.