Apple seems to be loading up for a significant iPhone sales jump likely next year. The company intends to rapidly scale its supply chain to enable this growth. Now it seems the tech giant is getting ready for about a 10% bump in iPhone sales. That translates into them selling nearly 10 million additional units over last year’s iPhone 17 series. The introduction of the new iPhone Air just made things worse. It’s now part of the standard configuration for the iPhone 17 series.
Apple’s long-rumored iPhone Fold is not expected to hit the streets until 2026. The introduction of the iPhone Air 2 is likely only a few weeks away. After that, the iPhone 18 series will be released, which will include the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple is not the first to make a big jump into the foldable phone market. It’s the last of the big smartphone makers to introduce a foldable device.
Supply Chain Preparations
Apple’s proactive approach involves preparing its suppliers for the expected uptick in sales as it launches multiple models next year. The company has set aside 85 million units worth of the iPhone 17 series. With new models coming soon, they’re looking for demand to skyrocket. The preparations indicate that Apple is confident about meeting the anticipated consumer interest across its upcoming product lineup.
The extreme premiumization of the iPhone Fold is likely to trigger a “halo effect,” contributing to stronger than otherwise sales of the standard iPhone 18 models. This happens when an inventive, breakthrough new product creates PR and consumer interest that multiplies sales of other products in the brand. Apple is counting on this approach to shore up overall sales numbers.
Exploring Foldable Technology
Yesterday’s rumor from Taiwan claimed that Apple was looking to start some form of test production for foldable iPhones. Cutting edge design features have been key in making the iPhone Fold possible. This device would include two narrow devices linked by a hinge to make one large central screen. The depth and thickness of the iPhone Air, as well as its overall design, make this an important advance. These patents illustrate a detail-oriented approach to making a foldable device fit Apple’s ultra-thin design style.
The excitement around the foldable iPhone is based on rumors of what it could do and where it might fit into the market. Apple has not revealed many specifics, but tech industry insiders are convinced that the device has the potential to revolutionize how users interact with smartphones.
Future Implications
As foldable technology increases tremendously in interest, the foldable evolution is a clear illustration of how rapidly consumer priorities are changing in the smartphone space. Apple’s entrance into this rapidly emerging segment would be a promising indication that the industry as a whole was moving towards more innovative designs with improved functionality. The company is preparing for one of its biggest quarterly sales surges ever. They’re also actively introducing new state models to shore up their leadership amid a hotly contested landscape.
