The iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable smartphone, is set to be unveiled at next week’s September event, but questions remain about exactly when the device will reach buyers. According to the latest reporting, the model is expected to ship in September, though supply may be sharply constrained at launch.
Apple’s September event will also introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Those models are expected to go on sale later that same week, ahead of wide availability on September 18. What remains less certain is whether the foldable iPhone Ultra will ship alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup or arrive on a different timeline.
What recent supply chain reports indicate
Multiple recent reports point toward a September release, even if quantities are minimal. Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital said earlier this month that supply would be “extremely limited” at launch, but noted that supply chain sources showed no evidence of a delay beyond September.
A July report from Cailian News Agency cited Apple supply chain sources who said there was no change to the September delivery date, pushing back on rumors of a product postponement. ChannelNews Australia also reported that the device would be available in September, at least in the United States.
Earlier predictions painted a different picture
Not all forecasts have aligned. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted earlier in the summer that the iPhone Ultra could follow a strategy similar to the iPhone X in 2017, meaning an announcement in September followed by a later fall release. Macworld reported hearing a similar plan from its own sources.
Going back further, an April report from Nikkei Asia generated significant attention by suggesting the foldable could slip several months into 2027. However, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg disputed that report, stating that the device remained “on track” for September.
The weight of the most current reporting favors a September ship date for the iPhone Ultra. Availability could be restricted to select territories and limited quantities, but early adopters are expected to be able to purchase the device soon after its unveiling. Apple will confirm details at its September event, where both the iPhone Ultra and the iPhone 18 Pro models are scheduled to debut.
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Image: 9to5mac.com
