Despite swirling rumors of delays, Apple's first foldable iPhone remains scheduled for a September 2026 debut, according to a new report from China Securities Journal, relayed by DigiTimes. Citing sources within the supply chain, the report states that Apple has started shipping small batches of components for the device, with production proceeding as planned. The foldable, expected to be called iPhone Ultra, is likely to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at Apple's annual September event.
Component shipments and manufacturing already underway
According to the report, one Apple supplier has received production guidance and has begun delivering components in small quantities. A second supply-chain source confirmed that no delay has been communicated and that the team is working toward a fall 2026 release. These findings contradict earlier rumors that the project faced significant engineering hurdles. In May, leaker Instant Digital raised concerns about hinge durability, but Apple is said to have largely resolved display creasing issues, though the hinge may not yet have passed the company's long-term reliability tests. Apple is known for its rigorous durability requirements for new product categories, and unresolved hinge issues this late in development would be unusual.
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Staggered launch strategy and historical precedent
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in March that the foldable iPhone might not launch simultaneously with the Pro models, while Barclays analyst Tim Long predicted shipments could slip to December, creating a gap of up to three months. Apple has used a staggered launch before: in 2017, the iPhone X was introduced alongside the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus but only reached customers in November. If Apple decides to delay shipments beyond September, it is still expected to unveil the entire lineup in September and release models according to production schedules. In an unusual move, the regular iPhone 18 may be held over until spring 2027 as part of a new split-launch strategy.
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Specifications and pricing of the foldable iPhone Ultra
The device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover display, powered by the A20 chip and C2 modem, with a Touch ID power button replacing Face ID, and dual rear cameras. Pricing is rumored to be around $2,000. Apple may brand it as iPhone Ultra, following the naming convention of the Apple Watch. For those tracking hardware trends, challenges like the recent 'usbliter8' vulnerability in older Apple chips highlight the complexity of delivering secure and reliable devices. Additionally, Apple's decision to use its own C2 modem signals a push for vertical integration, a strategy also seen at AMD, which recently reinstated memory encryption after user outcry.
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For more background on foldable smartphones, see the Wikipedia article on the topic.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/22/foldable-iphone-ultra-on-track-september-debut
