Apple is poised to introduce its first foldable smartphone, the ‘iPhone Ultra,’ alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, due to manufacturing challenges, the foldable device’s availability may be delayed compared to its counterparts.
In 2017, Apple unveiled the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X simultaneously. While the iPhone 8 models were available for pre-order shortly after the announcement, the iPhone X faced a six-week delay before pre-orders commenced. A similar pattern is anticipated for the iPhone Ultra, with pre-orders potentially starting in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The iPhone Ultra is expected to carry a premium price tag, with estimates ranging from $2,299 to $2,499 in the U.S. Despite the high cost, demand is projected to be strong, potentially leading to immediate sell-outs and extended delivery times of 4-6 weeks or more.
Production forecasts indicate that approximately 7 to 8 million units of the foldable iPhone will be shipped in 2026, compared to 20 to 22 million units for the combined iPhone 18 Pro models. This suggests that the foldable device will be a more exclusive offering within Apple’s product lineup.
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market marks a significant milestone, positioning the company to compete directly with established players like Samsung. The iPhone Ultra’s success will depend on its ability to deliver a seamless user experience and justify its premium pricing. Consumers and industry observers will be keenly watching how Apple navigates this new product category and whether it can set a new standard for foldable devices.
