Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra faces limited launch supply, possible delayed shipments
Supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple may produce only 7-8 million foldable iPhone Ultra units in 2026, with as few as 0.5-1 million available in the third quarter, potentially pushing deliveries into late 2026.
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, later this year. The device is rumored to feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen, with a thickness under 5 mm when unfolded, and a price range of $2,300-$2,500.
Supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that total production of the foldable model could reach 7-8 million units in the second half of 2026, with only 0.5-1 million slated for the third quarter. By comparison, projected shipments of the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max for the same quarter are 20-22 million units. Kuo notes that the limited third-quarter supply makes a September launch unlikely and could result in delivery times of four to six weeks or longer, potentially extending availability into December.
"Delivery times could stretch to ‘4-6 weeks or longer’, and it’ll be hard to get one until at least December," Kuo said.
Kuo also predicts that the scarcity may lead to secondary-market mark-ups of 50-100 percent over retail price. He expects supply constraints and related hype to ease by the first quarter of 2027, when demand for the foldable iPhone will be clearer.