Apple Inc. (AAPL, Financials) is reportedly planning at least five new iPhone models between the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027 as it prepares for a larger product cycle.
The company has asked suppliers to prepare for about 10 million foldable iPhones, up from an earlier plan of 7 million to 8 million units, according to reports. Apple also has secured components for about 80 million smartphones across new models planned for the second half of 2026.
Apple's total smartphone production for 2026 is expected to exceed 220 million units. That scale gives the company stronger purchasing power than many rivals as AI-driven demand tightens memory chip supply.
Apple is also reportedly in talks to source memory chips for China-sold devices from Chinese suppliers, including ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies. The company has not confirmed those discussions.
For investors, the roadmap points to Apple's effort to protect iPhone momentum while entering the foldable market. The main risk is rising component costs, which could pressure margins.
The next catalyst will be Apple's product launches and any update on foldable iPhone production plans.