Foldable iPhone Ultra could follow iPhone X launch strategy, Kuo says

Apple could introduce its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September, but the device may not be available to order immediately.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple is likely to “repeat the iPhone X story” with the foldable iPhone, which is rumored to launch as the iPhone Ultra. The device could be announced with the rest of the lineup before pre-orders begin several weeks later.

Delayed pre-orders due to production challenges

Kuo says early production of the foldable iPhone has been limited by manufacturing challenges, which could push availability later than the standard iPhone 18 Pro models.

Apple followed a similar strategy with the iPhone X in 2017. The company announced the iPhone X alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus on September 12, but while iPhone 8 pre-orders started three days later, customers had to wait until October 27 to order the iPhone X.

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A similar timeline could happen again in 2026, with the foldable iPhone Ultra potentially becoming available for pre-order in the fourth quarter.

iPhone Ultra could sell out quickly

Kuo estimates that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could start at between $2,299 and $2,499 in the U.S., making it one of the most expensive iPhone models ever released.

Kuo believes the foldable iPhone Ultra could sell out immediately after pre-orders open, with delivery times quickly stretching to four to six weeks or longer due to limited early supply.

The analyst also says Apple’s suppliers are expected to ship around 7 to 8 million foldable iPhone units in 2026. In comparison, combined shipments for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to reach around 20 to 22 million units.

If Kuo’s prediction is accurate, Apple could reveal the foldable iPhone Ultra in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, but customers may need to wait until October or later before they can order one.

Would you wait longer for the foldable iPhone Ultra or choose the iPhone 18 Pro instead? Let us know in the comments below.