Apple is set to unveil its first foldable iPhone, the Ultra, at next week’s September event — yet its exact ship-date remains murky. While the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to hit stores shortly after their reveal (with broader availability around September 18), the Ultra may launch with much more limited availability. Recent reporting suggests it could ship in September, but likely only in small supply.
What sources are saying
A string of supply-chain leaks point toward a September delivery for the Ultra, though not without caveats. One leaker based on Weibo says launch stock will be “extremely limited,” though there’s no indication of delay beyond September. Similarly, a July report via a Chinese industry news agency found no signs of postponement; another outlet backed that up by saying that the device would be available in the U.S. this September.
Earlier this summer, a different picture emerged: well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested the device might follow the same pattern as the iPhone X — announced in September, but shipping later in the fall. This was echoed by U.S. tech outlets, which also reported that some sources believe shipment might be postponed until beyond September.
Going back further, an April report from a major Asian news publisher claimed that the Ultra could face delays extending into 2027. That prediction was later countered by others who reaffirmed the device is still “on track” for September.
What to expect at launch
Putting all reports together, the best current estimate is that Apple will reveal and begin limited shipping of the iPhone Ultra this September. But customers shouldn’t expect wide availability right away — likely only certain regions and limited units at first. This mirrors Apple’s previous behavior with complex new hardware launches, where supply constraints and final adjustments often delay broader distribution.
Meanwhile, alongside the Ultra, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be more readily available starting late in the week of announcement, with general stock increasing toward mid-September.
What this means: the Ultra will almost certainly be announced next week, and some users will be able to buy it soon after — but most will likely have to wait. Watch for supply-chain signals and preorder dates in the coming days.
