Archive · 18 Aug 2026
iPhone Ultra Foldable Launch Limited by Supply and Testing Issues
Apple is making a new phone that can fold in half.
It is called the iPhone Ultra.
Apple will show it to people on September 8.
But people cannot buy it right away.
There will only be a small number of phones at first.
The phones will go to the United States first, then to China and other places.
Making the phone is hard because the folding part has problems.
The company that makes the phones had to delay making them.
The phone may cost a lot more than a similar Samsung phone.
Samsung's folding phone is already in stores, so Samsung might sell more phones while people wait for Apple's new one.
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at a September 8 launch event, but it will not be available for purchase at that time.
Initial supply will be limited and directed to the US market first, followed by China and other key markets.
Production delays stem from supply and pricing issues, plus testing problems with the hinge and foldable display.
Mass production was originally scheduled for June 2026, slipped to early August, and has been pushed back again, with Foxconn still adjusting its plans.
Australian pricing for Apple's foldable is expected to be up to $700 higher than the Samsung Galaxy Fold 8, which retails for $2,999 at JB Hi-Fi.
- Who
- Apple, with production by Foxconn and analysis from Ming-Chi Kuo; Samsung is the main competitor.
- What
- The foldable iPhone (iPhone Ultra) will launch in limited quantity due to supply and testing issues.
- When
- Announced at a September 8 event; mass production was originally scheduled for June 2026, slipped to early August, and has been pushed back again.
- Where
- US market first, followed by China and other key markets; Australian retail availability is delayed.
- Why
- Supply and pricing issues, plus testing problems with the hinge and foldable display, delayed production.
- Device
- Foldable iPhone (iPhone Ultra)
- Launch event
- September 8
- Initial availability
- Limited quantity; US first, then China and other key markets
- Mass production
- Originally June 2026, slipped to early August, pushed back again
- Planned production volume
- 7 million units in second half of 2026
- Problem areas
- Hinge and foldable display
- Expected price premium
- Up to $700 more than Samsung Galaxy Fold 8 in Australia
- Samsung Galaxy Fold 8 price
- $2,999 (256GB) at JB Hi-Fi