According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is likely to have very limited availability for the iPhone Ultra when it is announced in September. This means it is possible that the company will delay its shipment by a month or two, similar to the iPhone X.Apple has a history of delays in shipping new products, especially when it comes to innovative technologies that require new production lines and specialized materials.
See also: Apple Ultra products: Foldable iPhone and touchscreen MacBook Pro
Apple's long-awaited first foldable iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, is expected to debut later this year. The device is expected to feature a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal display, making it similar to an iPad mini. The foldable display technology is a major step for Apple as the company tries to compete with other manufacturers that have already entered the foldable device market, such as Samsung and Huawei.
The iPhone Ultra will also be under 5mm thick when unfolded, making it even thinner than an iPhone Air. This thinness is achieved through the use of new materials and manufacturing techniques, which allow for the production of a durable yet flexible display. Its price is rumored to range between $2300 and $2500, which Kuo confirms. This high price puts the iPhone Ultra in the premium category, aimed at consumers who are willing to pay for the latest technology.
However, when Apple announces the foldable iPhone this September, it will be extremely difficult to get one. According to Kuo's report, assembly shipments for the foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026 will be about 7-8 million units, with third-quarter shipments coming in at 0.5-1 million units, or about 10% of the total. In comparison, estimated third-quarter shipments for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are around 20-22 million units, significantly higher than the foldable iPhone and already meeting the inventory requirement for an official launch.
See also: iPhone 19 Pro prototype reportedly has quad-curved display
Apple will only make up to 8 million foldable iPhones by the end of the year, with only up to 1 million of those available in the third quarter. That makes a September launch unlikely, similar to the iPhone X. Regardless of when it launches, it will be extremely difficult to get your hands on one in these numbers. The limited availability is due to a number of factors, including the complexity of manufacturing foldable displays and the need for high-quality construction.
Kuo estimates that delivery times could reach “4-6 weeks or more,” and that it will be difficult to get one until at least December. He also predicts that iPhone Ultras could be sold at prices 50-100% higher than their actual retail price. This situation creates opportunities for resellers who take advantage of high demand and limited supply to profit by selling the devices at higher prices.
Overall, if you want a foldable iPhone, pre-ordering it as soon as possible will be the only way to get it close to launch. Given the extremely low shipment numbers in Q3, it's unlikely you'll be able to just walk into a store and buy one for free. Apple may implement strategies to manage limited availability, such as prioritizing customers with purchase history or making limited quantities available in select stores.
See also: Leaker: iPhone 18e will not have ProMotion Display
Kuo estimates that the traffic congestion and supply constraints will have eased by the first quarter of 2027, and then we will have a much better picture of how demand for the foldable iPhone is shaping up. Apple will closely monitor the market response and adjust its production accordingly, while continuing to invest in the development of innovative technologies that will strengthen its position in the foldable device market.
