Foxconn Begins Trial Production of China’s First Foldable iPhone

On April 7, a major Chinese supplier for Apple, known as Foxconn, announced that it has begun test production of the company’s first foldable iPhone, according to China Securities Journal.

The tech giant has indicated to its suppliers that a launch for the foldable device is targeted for the second half of the year, as reported by multiple supply chain sources.

With a large user base, Apple’s foldable iPhone could see strong demand, though the actual sales will largely depend on the device’s price point, one industry insider emphasized.

Lens Technology has been providing ultra-thin glass, polyethylene terephthalate film, glass brackets, and three-dimensional glass covers for the upcoming foldable phone, the Changsha-based manufacturer stated during a recent investor briefing. The company anticipates significant benefits from this high-value project where it holds a leading market share, and it confirmed that production is progressing on schedule for the second-half launch.

The new device will require additional components and stricter manufacturing standards for some parts, according to Avary Holding, a printed circuit board supplier for Apple. However, the company declined to comment further, noting that the foldable iPhone has not yet been introduced to the market.

By mid-2025, Lingyi iTech Guangdong announced that it achieved a major breakthrough in a high-end vapor chamber project with a key North American client focused on foldable devices.

According to International Data Corporation, shipments of foldable phones in China increased by 9.2% last year, reaching approximately 10.01 million units compared to the previous year.

The introduction of a foldable iPhone is expected to propel market competition into a new phase this year, with early demand likely stemming mainly from existing iPhone users due to the device’s premium pricing, noted Counterpoint Research.

The release of the first foldable iPhone is anticipated to accelerate overall adoption of foldable technology, as advancements in crease-free display technology could boost both the sales volume and price of such devices, giving new momentum to the supply chain, analysts suggest.