Apple’s long-anticipated foldable iPhone may not be immediately available to buyers after its expected debut in 2026, as production challenges threaten to limit early supply, according to a leading industry analyst.
Well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said manufacturing complexities could delay pre-orders and shipments of the foldable model, widely expected to be branded as the iPhone Ultra, despite strong consumer interest in the premium device.
Kuo said Apple is planning to unveil the foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. However, unlike the standard Pro models, the foldable iPhone is expected to launch in much smaller quantities.
As a result, pre-orders for the iPhone Ultra may open later than the rest of the iPhone 18 lineup. Early buyers could also face longer waiting times as Apple gradually ramps up production.
According to Kuo’s assessment, Apple may begin shipping the foldable iPhone in the fourth quarter of 2026, rather than immediately after the product announcement. Even with a reported price range of $2,300 to $2,500, demand is expected to far exceed supply during the initial release window.
The limited availability could fuel a secondary resale market, with scalpers potentially charging significantly higher prices. Kuo estimates that resale prices could climb between 50 percent and 100 percent above Apple’s official retail pricing, particularly in the months following launch.
Despite the expected shortages, Apple appears confident in long-term demand. Kuo projects that the company could ship approximately 7 to 8 million foldable iPhones by the end of 2026. Separate industry reports suggest Apple may have already raised its internal production target to around 10 million units for the following year, signalling growing optimism about consumer adoption.
The foldable iPhone is rumoured to feature a 7.76-inch internal display paired with a 5.49-inch external cover screen, positioning it as Apple’s largest and most advanced smartphone to date. It is also expected to run on Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro processor, supported by 12GB of RAM and a 5,500mAh battery.
If the reports prove accurate, the iPhone Ultra would mark Apple’s most ambitious hardware leap in years. However, supply constraints at launch could test customer patience and highlight the challenges Apple faces as it enters the competitive foldable smartphone market.
