Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first-ever foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series. However, the new leaks suggest that it may not launch in India at first. A new report claims that supply constraints, pricing concerns, and production testing issues can force Apple to introduce the iPhone Ultra in limited markets.
As per ChannelNewsreport, Apple is said to showcase the foldable iPhone at its September 8 launch event in the US. However, buyers in countries such as Australia may have to wait months before the device becomes available.
As per reports, the delay is due to the challenges in preparing the foldable iPhone for mass production. Citing a major Chinese component supplier, the report claims Apple is dealing with supply and pricing issues, while production units are also undergoing additional testing.
The hinge and foldable display are reportedly among the areas causing the problems. Apple was said to have initially planned mass production in June, but the timeline reportedly moved to early August and has now slipped again. Foxconn was also reportedly still adjusting its production plans in late July.
The report claims Australian carriers and major retailers have been told that the foldable iPhone may not be available locally when the iPhone 18 lineup launches. Apple could instead prioritise the US market before expanding availability to China and other regions.
Apple is reportedly targeting production of around seven million foldable iPhones during the second half of 2026. If production remains limited, this may make a simultaneous global launch difficult.
As per the reports, the company may not announce the final price at its September event with cost revealed closer to the commercial launch. The device is expected to be more expensive than existing iPhone models. The report claims Australian pricing could be up to $700 higher than Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 8. Do note that Apple has not confirmed the iPhone Ultra launch, availability and pricing at the moment.