Apple's First Foldable Phone Arriving in September but Initial Availability May Be Limited

One of the most anticipated innovations in the smartphone sector is undoubtedly the iPhone Ultra. Apple's first foldable phone is just a step away from its debut. The smartphone will be unveiled in September during the company's traditional launch event, which will also feature the presentation of the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Rumors regarding a possible delay in the presentation have not been confirmed.

According to a new report by Ming-Chi Kuo, the initial availability of the foldable will be limited due to technical difficulties related to the production process. As a result, those who pre-order the product may receive it a few weeks later than the launch timelines for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which will be available in sufficient quantities.

Expected in the Fourth Quarter of 2026

Shipments of the iPhone Ultra may thus commence during the fourth quarter of 2026 instead of starting in September. Apple, in any case, is placing strong bets on its new product and is said to have increased its production target.

According to Kuo:
"My latest industry survey indicates that shipments of the foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026 will be around 7-8 million units, with shipments in the third quarter of 2026 estimated at 0.5-1 million units, or about 10% of the total. In comparison, the estimated shipments of the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max in the third quarter of 2026 amount to approximately 20-22 million units, a significantly higher number than that of the foldable iPhone and already sufficient to meet stock demand for an official launch."

To achieve these goals, Apple will need to convince users to spend more than double compared to an iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max. The foldable phone will indeed hit the market with a starting price ranging between $2,300 and $2,500, nearing €3,000 for the European market. The official presentation is now scheduled for the beginning of September.