Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone—likely to be named the iPhone Ultra—is expected to follow a similar launch pattern to the iPhone X, unveiling alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models but becoming available later, based on recent analyst projections. Manufacturing constraints are reportedly delaying its readiness for immediate preorder. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/iphone-ultra-to-repeat-the-iphone-x-story/))
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the foldable model will be officially shown off in September with the rest of Apple’s flagship lineup. However, preorder access may not arrive until the fourth quarter of 2026. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/iphone-ultra-to-repeat-the-iphone-x-story/))
Launch Delay Echoes iPhone X Pattern
The comparison to 2017’s iPhone X comes from the delay between its announcement and when preorders opened. That year, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were ready to preorder just days after showing, while the iPhone X, revealed at the same event, didn’t allow preorders until six weeks later on October 27. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/iphone-ultra-to-repeat-the-iphone-x-story/))
The same staggered timeline seems to be in play for the iPhone Ultra. While the September unveiling will match with iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the foldable model might not be available to reserve until later—effectively reproducing the iPhone X rollout. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/iphone-ultra-to-repeat-the-iphone-x-story/))
Price, Supply, and Demand Expectations
The Ultra is projected to carry a substantial price tag—approximately US$2,299 to US$2,499—placing it at the high end of Apple’s product line. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/iphone-ultra-to-repeat-the-iphone-x-story/))
Due to limited initial production, early preorders are expected to sell out quickly. Delivery times may extend to four-six weeks or more for first buyers. Meanwhile, how many units will reach the market in 2026 is sharply less impressive than Apple’s Pro lineup—suppliers are estimated to ship 7–8 million Ultra units versus 20–22 million combined iPhone 18 Pro models. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/iphone-ultra-to-repeat-the-iphone-x-story/))
Analysts believe this means the Ultra launch could drift into October, even though Apple will likely showcase the new device alongside the rest of its September flagship announcements. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/iphone-ultra-to-repeat-the-iphone-x-story/))
Like the iPhone X before it, the Ultra is expected to debut with excitement and strong demand, but availability will lag due to supply chain and production challenges. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/20/iphone-ultra-to-repeat-the-iphone-x-story/))
This unfolding strategy suggests Apple is managing expectations carefully: introducing its boldest design yet without overpromising immediate supply. What to watch now is how consumers react to preorder windows and pricing, and whether Apple can scale production fast enough to avoid backlash. The Ultra may mark a turning point in Apple’s product launches—balancing innovation with constraints—setting a precedent for how the company releases its most advanced devices moving forward.
