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Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone may finally appear in 2026, but buyers worldwide might not get it at the same time. The company is likely to unveil the device in September, according to a new report. Inside, Apple will call the foldable model the “iPhone Ultra.”
However, Apple has not officially confirmed the product, name, or release schedule. The report suggests the United States could get the device first. Other countries may then gain access during a phased rollout over the following months.
Supply and Pricing Could Affect iPhone Ultra Launch
Supply constraints may play a major role in the proposed launch strategy. An unnamed component supplier reportedly linked the possible delay to supply and pricing challenges. The source also claimed that production models had experienced testing issues.
Still, reports about testing problems remain uncertain. Another recent report suggested that Apple faced issues with the foldable device early on, but later resolved them.
Meanwhile, Australian carriers have reportedly indicated that the foldable phone will not be accompanied by the iPhone 18. That detail adds further support to expectations of a staggered international release.
Apple Has Used Staggered Rollouts Before
A US-first launch would not represent a completely new strategy for Apple. The company introduced the Vision Pro in the United States before expanding availability to other countries. Production complexity contributed to that slower rollout.
Similarly, a foldable iPhone will introduce a new fork in Apple’s smartphone lineup. Therefore, the company could initially limit production while managing the production requirements and market response.
Current estimates cited in the document put expected orders at around 10 million units. Earlier figures ranged between seven million and eight million.
Foldable iPhone Could Become a Long-Term Product
While the reveal may be cautious, Apple may have bigger plans for credible devices. According to reports, work is already underway on the company’s third-generation model, which could debut in 2028.
For now, the iPhone Ultra remains unconfirmed. Nevertheless, growing supply-chain reports suggest Apple’s first foldable iPhone could become one of its most significant new products in years.
