iPhone Ultra: Apple’s first foldable could sell out fast

Apple’s first foldable smartphone, currently rumored as the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold, could be in short supply right after launch. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, demand for the device will be strong, but in the first months Apple may only be able to produce 500,000 to 1 million units. The announcement is expected closer to the end of the third quarter of 2026, though preorders and sales could move to a later date.

The main reason for the limited supply is said to be manufacturing complexity. The foldable design, new materials and unusual display could create early production headaches similar to those Apple once faced with the iPhone X, its OLED screen, “notch” and TrueDepth camera for Face ID. After the initial stage, Apple is expected to ramp up output and ship around 7–8 million foldable iPhones by the end of 2026.

Even a high price is not expected to cool interest much. Kuo, citing discussions with carriers, sales channels and resellers, says the iPhone Ultra could cost up to $2500 and still sell through quickly once preorders open. Waiting times, he predicts, could stretch to four to six weeks or longer, while scarcity, a recognizable design and a new user experience may create a noticeable premium on the secondary market.

The rumors still deserve some caution: Apple has not officially confirmed a foldable iPhone, and the iPhone Ultra name remains provisional. Still, recent iOS 27 betas already include hints of a device with multiple displays and a folded state, including references to foldState and angleDegrees.

For now, the foldable iPhone is expected to get a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner display — a little smaller than an iPad mini. Folded, it may look more square than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, while unfolded it could be wider. A flexible OLED panel, a laser-processed metal support plate to spread stress, and an almost invisible crease are also expected.