Apple fans have waited years for a foldable iPhone, and the latest analysis suggests the wait may extend beyond the anticipated release of the iPhone Ultra this fall.
An industry analyst indicates that Apple will likely launch the folding device in a separate production batch from the conventional iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, mirroring the strategy used for the 2017 iPhone X.
The analyst estimates that roughly 7 to 8 million folding iPhones will be shipped in the second half of 2026, with fewer than one million available in the third quarter. In contrast, 20 to 22 million units of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are expected to be ready for the September launch, meeting inventory requirements.
Because the Ultra does not meet the same inventory threshold, Apple may announce all three models simultaneously but ship them separately, a pattern observed with the 2017 iPhone X launch.
Demand for a high‑priced folding iPhone remains strong, with estimates suggesting consumers are willing to pay between $2,300 and $2,500. This mirrors the pricing strategy of the 2017 iPhone X, which launched at $999 compared to the $649 price of the iPhone 8.
The analyst does not specify an exact release date for the Ultra beyond indicating that it will arrive later, likely following a similar timeline to the 2017 iPhone X, which opened pre‑orders a month after its initial announcement and reached shelves in early November.
Despite the potential delay, the continued interest in a foldable iPhone underscores Apple’s commitment to expanding its product lineup and meeting consumer demand for innovative devices.
