Apple’s first foldable iPhone, dubbed the ‘iPhone Ultra’, is on track for a September reveal but may debut initially in limited markets like the US and China, with pricing expected to exceed $2,300, as production challenges and regional rollouts loom.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is now being described as on track for a September unveiling, but the launch may follow a staggered pattern that leaves Brazil and other markets waiting. According to MacRumors and Macworld, the device, widely referred to as the “iPhone Ultra”, is expected to appear alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, even if pre-orders do not begin until later in the year because of production constraints.
The manufacturing picture appears to be improving, though not enough to remove all uncertainty. Macworld reported that Foxconn had entered trial production before planned mass output, while MacRumors said Apple has already started moving components in small batches. The same reports suggest Apple has largely addressed earlier hinge-related concerns, but the foldable design still depends on complex parts such as the hinge assembly and flexible panel.
That helps explain why several reports point to a limited initial rollout. MacRumors said the company may repeat the iPhone X strategy, unveiling the handset with the rest of the autumn range but delaying pre-orders until the fourth quarter of 2026. Gadgets 360 and PhoneArena, citing analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, said the launch window may still be met, yet supply could remain tight and wider availability may not arrive until 2027.
The report published by A TARDE, based on ChannelNews, goes further by saying the first sales could be restricted to the United States, with China next and other countries following months later. It also says the device may be introduced on 8 September, although Apple has not confirmed that date, the Ultra name, the pricing or the regional sales plan. That same report says Brazil could be left out of the first wave, though it is still expected to receive the model eventually.
Pricing would place the handset firmly at the top end of the market. MacRumors said US pricing is expected to fall between $2,299 and $2,499, while the ChannelNews-based report cited by A TARDE pointed to about AU$3,699. Either estimate would make the foldable iPhone one of the most expensive smartphones Apple has ever sold, which in turn helps explain why the company may choose a cautious, market-by-market launch.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
