Apple plans to launch at least five new iPhone models between the second half of this year and the first half of 2027, while increasing foldable device production targets to approximately 10 million units this year, according to a Nikkei Asia report published Thursday. The expansion comes as the company seeks greater market share amid an industrywide memory chip shortage driven by artificial intelligence data center demand. Apple's scale and purchasing power allow it to secure components more effectively than Chinese rivals Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, which have each reduced annual production targets to below 100 million units, the report stated.
Apple Increases Foldable iPhone Production Target to 10 Million Units
Apple instructed suppliers to prepare production for approximately 10 million foldable iPhones this year, up from an earlier forecast of 7 million to 8 million units, Nikkei Asia reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Ahead of launching its first-ever foldable device, the company secured components for about 80 million smartphones across new models for the second half of 2026. Apple's total smartphone production for 2026 is expected to exceed 220 million units, according to the report.
"Compared with Apple's bargaining power, the Chinese smartphone makers are in a weak spot in terms of getting more supplies of memory chips or increasing the prices," an executive at a supplier for both Apple and Xiaomi told Nikkei Asia. "It gives Apple a good motivation to launch the iPhones in spring and take more of their share."
Apple Negotiates Memory Chip Sourcing from Chinese Manufacturers
Apple is in talks to source memory chips for devices sold in China from Chinese manufacturers ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Both companies are included on a Pentagon list of entities alleged to support Beijing's military. Apple has not confirmed the discussions, and Bloomberg reported that negotiations remain ongoing. The company is reportedly seeking to broaden its supplier base as memory shortages strain production across the consumer electronics sector.
Apple Plans iPhone 18 and iPhone Air Launch for First Half of 2027
Apple plans to introduce at least two new iPhones in the first half of 2027, including the standard iPhone 18 and a new iPhone Air, according to Nikkei Asia. The aggressive product roadmap comes after Apple implemented price hikes for its MacBook and iPad lineups last week as memory and storage costs surged. Apple did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.
FAQ
What new iPhone models is Apple planning through 2027?
Apple plans to launch at least five new iPhone models between the second half of this year and the first half of 2027, including the iPhone 18 and a new iPhone Air scheduled for the first half of 2027, according to Nikkei Asia.
Why is Apple negotiating with Chinese chipmakers?
Apple is in talks to source memory chips from Chinese manufacturers ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies for devices sold in China, as the company seeks to broaden its supplier base amid an industrywide memory chip shortage driven by AI data center demand, Bloomberg reported Thursday.
