Foreign media say Apple plans to test-produce folding screens in Taiwan, China, and mobile phones may be launched next year

　　September 18, according to Nikkei Asia, Apple is in talks with suppliers in Taiwan, China to set up a rumored folding screen iPhone testing production center in the local area.

　　The media quoted sources as saying that Apple intends to build a small pilot production line to "test equipment performance, fine-tune related parameters and optimize manufacturing processes" to prepare for the production of foldable iPhones. This model is expected to be officially launched next year (2026).

The report pointed out that Apple's long-term plan is to replicate this pilot production line in India and then mass-produce this new flagship smartphone in India to ensure the smooth launch of the product. However, the preliminary plan does not seem to be smooth sailing. The report mentioned:

Two sources revealed that Apple's suppliers have taken a piece of land in a city in northern Taiwan, China, and intend to use it to build the above-mentioned pilot production line, but they also said that the plan has not been finalized and there is still a possibility of changes. In addition, they also pointed out that Taiwan is facing some challenges, such as the need for about 1,000 operators even if it is just a pilot production line, and there are certain limitations in the land and labor resources required for iPhone production.

　　Apple has shown to several suppliers that the launch of foldable screen models is expected to drive the growth of overall iPhone demand, including non-folding screen models. Sources from Nikkei Asia say Apple aims to produce about 95 million units in the next series of iPhones launched in 2026, a 10% increase in total phone shipments in 2025, and Apple believes the launch of the highly-watched folding screen model will help achieve this goal.

　　At present, multiple sources have confirmed that Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, and the device will be classified into the iPhone 18 series. For example, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple plans to launch a foldable iPhone next year and will subsequently launch a foldable iPad in 2028.

　　Kuo Mingchi also disclosed in detail the relevant information about this folding screen iPhone: the model will adopt a book-style folding design, equipped with an inner screen of about 7.8 inches and a 5.5 inches external screen, and is priced between 2,000 and 2,500 US dollars (the current exchange rate is approximately 14,200 to 17,749 yuan). To save the interior space under the folding design, Apple is expected to abandon Face ID facial recognition function and instead use Touch ID fingerprint recognition technology integrated in the side buttons. Previously, Apple has adopted the design method of integrating Touch ID with side buttons on iPad Air and iPad mini models.

　In terms of camera configuration, Guo Mingchi said that this folding screen iPhone is expected to be equipped with dual rear cameras and a front camera, which can be used normally in the two states of folding and expanding the phone.