Apple's Foldable iPhone Delayed, Report Suggests
Apple is likely to unveil its foldable iPhone, named iPhone Ultra, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September, but may not start pre-orders until October due to manufacturing challenges. The device is expected to have a starting price of $2,299-$2,499 and could sell out quickly. Apple's suppliers are estimated to ship 7-8 million foldable iPhones in 2026.
Key points
- Apple is expected to unveil the foldable iPhone, named iPhone Ultra, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September.
- Pre-orders for the iPhone Ultra may not start until October due to manufacturing challenges.
- The device is expected to have a starting price of $2,299-$2,499 in the U.S.
- Apple's suppliers are estimated to ship 7-8 million foldable iPhones in 2026.
- The iPhone Ultra could sell out quickly after pre-orders open, with delivery lead times stretching to 4-6 weeks or longer.
Apple's highly anticipated foldable iPhone, reportedly named iPhone Ultra, is expected to face a delay in pre-orders, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device is set to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September, but manufacturing challenges have limited early production, leading to a potential delay in pre-orders until October.
Kuo estimates that the iPhone Ultra will have a starting price of $2,299-$2,499 in the U.S., making it a premium offering. Apple's suppliers are expected to ship around 7-8 million foldable iPhones in 2026, compared to 20-22 million for the iPhone 18 Pro models combined.
The iPhone Ultra's potential for quick sell-outs and long delivery lead times is a concern for consumers. If accurate, this information suggests that Apple is taking a cautious approach to the launch of its foldable iPhone, prioritizing quality over speed.
Sources
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