Apple faces foldable iPhone supply constraints amid production growth

Apple is facing potential supply constraints for its upcoming foldable iPhone as it works to refine manufacturing processes. Reports indicate the company is producing only a few hundred units per day to meet strict quality-control standards, specifically regarding hinge performance and surface flatness. An additional round of testing to ensure an almost invisible crease may have delayed commercial production by several weeks.

In addition to manufacturing complexities, Apple may face challenges from a global memory chip shortage. While some analysts suggest a limited initial rollout starting in the US, other reports indicate the foldable device could launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

Separately, TrendForce reports that Apple produced approximately 52 million iPhone units in Q2 2026, marking a 14% year-over-year increase. This growth contributed to Apple holding a 19% share of global smartphone production, trailing only Samsung, which produced 62 million units. The increase in Apple's production was largely attributed to the pricing strategy of the iPhone 17 series.