Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone, dubbed the ‘iPhone Ultra,’ is reportedly set for a staggered international release, with initial availability limited to the United States. According to sources within Australian telecommunications and retail sectors, the device will not be available in Australia at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models, which are expected to launch in September. Instead, the iPhone Ultra will debut in the U.S., followed by key markets such as China over the subsequent two to three months.
This phased rollout is attributed to supply chain challenges and pricing considerations. Additionally, there are reports of testing issues with production models that have already been manufactured, potentially contributing to the delayed availability in certain regions.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously indicated that while the iPhone Ultra would be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, its pre-order availability would commence at a later date. This aligns with the current reports of a staggered release schedule.
Apple has a history of implementing phased launches for new products. For instance, the Vision Pro headset, introduced in February 2024, was initially available only in the U.S. It later expanded to markets including China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore in June, followed by Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK in July. Factors such as low production volumes, retail preparedness, and the novelty of the product category contributed to this approach.
The iPhone Ultra’s production has reportedly encountered challenges due to the device’s complexity, particularly concerning the hinge mechanism and display durability. These issues were believed to have been addressed during trial production phases, leading Apple to increase its order to approximately 10 million units for the year. However, this figure remains modest compared to the projected 20-22 million units for the iPhone 18 Pro models, suggesting potential supply constraints.
For consumers outside the U.S., this staggered release may necessitate patience, as the iPhone Ultra becomes available in additional markets over time. This strategy allows Apple to manage supply chain complexities and ensure a smooth rollout of its first foldable device.
