Apple explores pilot line in Taiwan for foldable iPhone, eyes mass production in India: Report

Apple Inc. has held talks with suppliers about building a pilot production line for a foldable iPhone in Taiwan, with plans to shift mass production of the device to India as early as next year, Nikkei Asia reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The Cupertino-based company is aiming for over 10% growth in iPhone shipments in 2026 and believes the introduction of a folding model could drive demand, the report said.

Apple has told suppliers it expects to produce about 95 million units of its 2026 lineup, bringing total iPhone output to over 240 million, according to Nikkei. That would mark Apple’s highest production in years and a double-digit increase from 2025.

The Taiwan pilot line is reportedly intended to help engineers and suppliers verify equipment, refine processes and prepare for smooth mass production in India.

Suppliers have considered land in a northern Taiwanese city for the test facility, though the plan is not final, the report said.

Building the pilot line would require about 1,000 operators, but land and labour shortages in Taiwan remain a challenge.

Apple has increasingly pushed new product development outside China amid ongoing US-China trade and security tensions, while also seeking to reduce supply chain risks from India-China frictions.

While India has become a critical production hub for the iPhone maker, suppliers still face difficulties importing equipment from China and securing Chinese engineers.

The company expects the foldable iPhone to boost demand across its product range, including non-foldable models.

For the recently introduced iPhone 17 series, Apple initially projected output of about 85 million units this year, with total iPhone production of roughly 220 million in 2025.