Apple ramps up cooling component orders for foldable iPhone

Apple ↘ 1.11% has increased its orders for vapor chamber cooling components, according to a new supply chain leak, as the company prepares for the launch of its first foldable iPhone later this year.

Cooling Orders Signal Production Confidence

Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital reported on Weibo that Apple has "significantly increased its total orders for vapor chambers," possibly in preparation for enhanced cooling in both its first foldable iPhone and a rumored 20th-anniversary model. The ramp-up comes as Apple has reportedly resolved earlier hinge and manufacturing-yield concerns that had threatened to delay production.macrumors+2

Vapor chambers, which Apple first introduced in the iPhone 17 Pro last year, work by evaporating a small amount of liquid near a heat source and condensing it in cooler areas, spreading heat across a larger surface. The technology is considered essential for the foldable iPhone's thinner form factor, where managing heat from the A20 chip poses greater challenges than in conventional designs.9to5mac+3

Mass Production Underway

The order increase aligns with broader supply chain activity pointing to an approaching launch. Multiple reports from Cailian Press, East Money, and The Bell have confirmed that the foldable iPhone — expected to be branded as the iPhone Ultra — has entered mass production, with assembly partner Foxconn Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. launching large-scale hiring. Apple has told suppliers to prepare approximately 10 million foldable units this year, up from an earlier forecast of 7 to 8 million, according to Nikkei Asia.macrumors+2

The device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch cover display, Apple's C2 modem, and pricing starting around $2,000.cnet+1

September Launch Still on Track

Despite earlier concerns about production complexity and low yields, supply chain sources have indicated that a September debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup remains the plan. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in April that the iPhone Ultra is on track for a September unveiling, though he noted it may go on sale slightly later. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested the device could be unveiled in September but not ship until the fourth quarter.9to5mac+2

All three premium models slated for September — the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra — are expected to use vapor chamber cooling.9to5mac