Apple is expected to "repeat the iPhone X story" with its upcoming foldable iPhone, reportedly named iPhone Ultra, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device will be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September, but pre-orders will begin later, likely in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Echoes of the 2017 iPhone X launch
In 2017, Apple announced the iPhone 8 and iPhone X on September 12. While the iPhone 8 pre-orders opened three days later, the iPhone X pre-orders started six weeks after, on October 27. Kuo sees a similar pattern for the foldable iPhone. Manufacturing challenges have constrained early production, forcing Apple to delay the pre-order window. Kuo, known for his accurate forecasts on Apple products, bases his analysis on supply chain checks, noting that the complex hinge and display technology are the main bottlenecks.
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Pricing and production estimates
Kuo estimates the foldable iPhone will start at around $2,299 to $2,499 in the U.S., positioning it far above the Pro models. He predicts that demand will be so strong that pre-orders will sell out immediately, with delivery lead times stretching to 4-6 weeks or more. Suppliers are expected to ship 7-8 million units of the foldable iPhone in 2026, compared to 20-22 million for the iPhone 18 Pro series combined. The high-price, low-volume strategy mirrors that of the iPhone X, which prioritized prestige over mass sales.
Market implications
Apple's entry into the foldable segment could reshape the smartphone market. While Android manufacturers like Samsung have already established their foldable lines, the iPhone Ultra represents a high-stakes gamble. Kuo believes that the device could become an instant status symbol, much like the iPhone X did. By staggering the pre-order date, Apple can generate additional buzz and ensure that early production issues are resolved before a wider launch.
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For context, other smartphone models such as the Samsung Galaxy A53 and Google Pixel 6a are set to lose software support by the end of 2027, as covered in our related article. This highlights the evolving landscape of mobile technology.
This information was first reported by MacRumors, citing Kuo. For more on the iPhone X launch history, see the Wikipedia entry.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/05/foldable-iphone-to-repeat-iphone-x-story
