(Image credit: Apple)

It has been a little over a week since Apple unveiled its iPhone 17 range, and on the whole it looks to have been a decent launch. The base model gained a series of upgrades to make it the most attractive prospect in years, while the Pro models saw a love-it-or-hate-it redesign.

Just yesterday, I reported on a second leak regarding a fairly significant change expected for the iPhone 18 range next year. That suggested that the base model could have its launch delayed, creating a scenario where the Pro models launch as normal, with the base model coming later on.

Now, we might know why. According to a new report from Nikkei (shared by 9to5Mac), Apple is preparing its supply chain for a significant uptick in purchasing next year, thanks in no small part to the iPhone Fold.

That's a device which has been teased and rumoured for years at this point. For many, Apple's lack of entry into the foldable phone space remains a considerable bugbear, while others champion the 'best, not first' approach which has felt missing at times in recent years.

(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)

According to the report, the brand is anticipating an uptick in sales across all models in the series, not just the Fold. That makes sense – some may be drawn in by the glitz and glamour of something new, but ultimately opt to stick with a more tried and tested range.

The report suggests that Apple is anticipating to shift a whopping 95 million units of the iPhone 18 range. That's an increase of 10 million from the iPhone 17 range, and would signal a landmark year even by the brand's own high standards.

The folding device is said to be put into trial production in Taiwan, with a view to reproduce the production line in India. That's something which the brand has done a lot of in the last year, as it seeks to lessen the impacts of tariffs for American consumers.