Apple is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone, dubbed the “iPhone Ultra,” in the United States before expanding availability to other regions, an Australian publication reported. The report, described as an exclusive by ChannelNews, says local carriers and a major retailer have indicated that the device will not launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models scheduled for September, despite being unveiled together.
Staggered rollout plan
According to the sources, Apple will release the book‑style foldable in the U.S. market initially, with key markets such as China following within two to three months. The staggered approach is attributed to “supply setbacks” and “pricing problems,” as well as ongoing testing issues with production units that have already been built.
Supply and production challenges
Industry analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo previously said the iPhone Ultra would be unveiled at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, but that pre‑orders for the foldable would start later. Kuo also noted that manufacturing challenges have limited early production, and this report marks the first public mention of a country‑by‑country rollout as a possible outcome of those supply constraints.
Multiple reports have highlighted the complexity of the device as a source of production hurdles. The hinge mechanism and durability testing of the foldable display have been identified as primary bottlenecks. Apple reportedly addressed these issues during trial production at Foxconn, after which it raised its order volume to roughly 10 million units, up from 7‑8 million units per year, as cited by Nikkei Asia.
Even with the increased order, the 10 million figure represents about one‑third of Kuo’s forecast of 20‑22 million units for the iPhone 18 Pro models this year. Kuo continues to project that Apple’s supplier will ship only 7‑8 million foldable iPhones in 2026, a quantity that would make it difficult to stock more than 40 countries on launch day.
Historical precedent and upcoming launch details
The staggered launch would not be unprecedented for Apple. When the Vision Pro headset debuted in February 2024, it was initially available only in the United States. The product later reached China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore in June, and then Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom in July. Apple cited low‑volume production, retail readiness and the novelty of the product category as reasons for that phased rollout—factors that could similarly apply to the iPhone Ultra.
The iPhone Ultra’s unveiling is expected in the coming weeks, with Apple’s event likely to occur on Tuesday, September 8 or Wednesday, September 9. Speculation based on leaks suggests the device will feature an inner display measuring about 7.7 to 7.8 inches, a 5.5‑inch cover screen, a thickness of roughly 4.5 mm, and a starting price above $2,000.
While the staggered launch claim remains uncorroborated beyond the ChannelNews sources, the combination of supply constraints, testing challenges and historical rollout patterns suggests Apple may indeed adopt a phased market introduction for its first foldable iPhone.
Mitchell Landsberg is the senior reporter for News Raise and focuses on Technology. Mitchell regularly writes about social media platforms and how influencers, industry and general people use them to communicate and make money.
