Apple Event Approaching: Supply Chain Says Foldable iPhone Mass Production Won't Be Delayed

As Apple's (AAPL-US) fall launch event approaches, market rumors about new Apple products begin to circulate. This year, speculation is even more intense as Apple is finally entering the foldable smartphone market.

Recent market reports suggested that Apple's first foldable device might be delayed due to complex assembly processes and low yield rates. However, according to a report by Cailianshe on Wednesday (8th), multiple Apple supply chain insiders confirmed that the product design has long been finalized, and related companies have already entered peak production season, with mass production proceeding as planned.

Multiple sources stated that September deliveries should be “no problem.” Regarding rumors of a delayed launch, respondents said they had “not heard” of any such issues.

Regardless, Apple's foldable device has been highly anticipated, and market expectations for its sales performance are high.

One supply chain source indicated that inventory preparation is “around 10 million units.”

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, believes that 10 million units more closely reflects Apple's initial component order volume. Considering the initial yield ramp-up for foldable screen products, safety stock requirements, and the time lag between production and shipment, he estimates that Apple's actual foldable iPhone shipments this year will be around 6 to 7 million units.

Additionally, Apple's sales strategy could influence the initial rollout pace.

“Apple has always prioritized product quality over maximizing initial shipment volume. Therefore, a phased rollout strategy is possible. Even without obvious production or supply issues, Apple might intentionally control initial supply to create wait times after orders, maintaining product excitement. Thus, tight initial availability may not solely stem from capacity constraints but could be part of Apple’s product launch strategy,” Pathak explained.

This suggests that Apple’s first-generation foldable device could face a “hard-to-get” situation right after launch.

Pathak forecasts that the base model of Apple’s first foldable iPhone will start between $2,299 and $2,399.

Prominent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently stated that pre-orders for Apple’s first foldable iPhone are highly likely to sell out instantly, with resale and scalper markets potentially seeing 50% to 100% price premiums.