Apple’s foldable iPhone has moved from rumor to roadmap. According to reports, the company has begun preparing a pilot production line in Taiwan, with plans to shift mass manufacturing to India in time for an expected 2026 launch.
The strategy marks Apple’s boldest supply-chain shift in years—one that could redefine how and where the company builds its most advanced devices.
From Taiwan Pilot to Indian Production
The pilot line in Taiwan will allow Apple to iron out technical challenges unique to foldables: hinge durability, crease-resistant displays, and production yield issues that can derail mass rollout. Once the kinks are solved, Apple plans to transition manufacturing to India, signaling both confidence in India’s capabilities and a determination to diversify away from China.
Why India?
India is emerging as Apple’s fastest-growing production hub. Government incentives, a growing skilled workforce, and Apple’s desire to avoid over-reliance on Chinese factories are converging to make India a manufacturing centerpiece.
If successful, the move would place India at the center of one of Apple’s most ambitious product launches in years—solidifying its role beyond assembly lines to high-end, next-generation devices.
Technical & Supply Chain Hurdles
Foldable smartphones are far more complex than standard devices. Dual or triple hinges, flexible OLED panels, and unique battery designs raise costs and complicate mass production. Pilot runs in Taiwan give Apple a controlled environment to troubleshoot before scaling in India.
At the same time, balancing suppliers across borders—Taiwan for R&D, India for production—adds logistical complexity. But for Apple, the upside is clear: less dependency on China, and more geographic diversity in its supply chain.
A Global Manufacturing Shift
Apple isn’t alone in betting big on India. Competitors like Samsung have already expanded their Indian production footprint, but Apple’s decision to entrust a flagship category launch to India sends a different signal. This isn’t just about volume—it’s about credibility.
For India, the payoff could be enormous: jobs, technology transfer, and a new status as a global hub for premium device manufacturing. For Apple, it’s a way to show investors and consumers that its supply chain strategy is future-proof.
Between the Lines — The Readovia Cut
Apple’s foldable iPhone represents a turning point. By anchoring production in India after years of reliance on China, the company is reshaping both its product strategy and its global footprint. The device will test Apple’s ability to innovate while also proving whether India can deliver at the scale the world’s most valuable company demands.
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The Author
Kai Zhang
Staff Writer, Readovia
