According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's first foldable iPhone, expected to be called iPhone Ultra, will launch with extremely limited initial availability. The announcement is set for September 2026, but shipments could be delayed by one or two months, similar to the iPhone X in 2017. Kuo estimates total production in the second half of 2026 at 7 to 8 million units, with only 500,000 to 1 million units available in the third quarter. That is a tiny fraction compared to the estimated 20 to 22 million units for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in the same period. This makes a September release unlikely, pointing to a launch in October or November.
Specs and price of the Apple foldable
The iPhone Ultra is rumored to feature a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal display, similar in size to an iPad mini. When unfolded, it will be under 5mm thick, even thinner than the iPhone Air. The price is expected to range between $2,300 and $2,500, a figure Kuo reaffirms. Demand is expected to be extremely high, but initial supply will be insufficient, fueling a reseller market. Kuo predicts delivery times could stretch to 4 to 6 weeks or longer, and that scalpers could command a 50 to 100 percent premium over retail. The only way to secure a unit near launch will be to preorder immediately after the announcement. Waiting times could extend into December, and only by the first quarter of 2027 might the situation normalize. Apple has already started low-volume production, but the complexity of the hinge mechanism and scarcity of components such as foldable OLED panels are holding back volumes. The company has not officially commented, but Asian suppliers confirm the difficulties. For comparison, the suspension of some launches by Uber in Europe shows how even large corporations must manage supply chain carefully. Apple aims to create controlled hype but risks disappointing loyal fans. The situation recalls the original iPhone X, which took months to reach normal availability. If the launch slips to October, Apple could still leverage the holiday season to boost sales. Kuo estimates that by the end of 2026, total units may reach 8 million, but the real challenge will be in 2027 when production is expected to double. Consumers are warned: to get an iPhone Ultra by Christmas, they must act fast. The analyst advises not to count on walking into a store and buying one without a preorder. Limited availability could also drive speculators to buy for resale at a premium, a phenomenon seen with PlayStation 5 and GPUs. Apple has never managed scarcity well, but this time it seems to be testing the market cautiously. The iPhone Ultra represents a significant technological step, combining the potential of a smartphone and a tablet. However, the chosen launch strategy risks penalizing early adopters. According to Wikipedia, the launch of the iPhone X in 2017 suffered from similar supply issues. Hopefully Apple has learned the lesson and, after a rough start, shipments will accelerate quickly. In the meantime, enthusiasts must arm themselves with patience and a fast click for preorder.
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Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/05/iphone-fold-low-supply-at-launch-delayed-release
