Apple may unveil its long-rumored foldable iPhone Ultra at its September 8 event. However, a new report claims the device may not launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The report, published in Australia, says Apple could show the foldable at the event without releasing it immediately. The iPhone Ultra may reach the US first, followed by a few other major markets, including China.
Australia may not be part of the first launch group. The report also claims Apple will not reveal the foldable iPhone’s price during the September 8 event. The device is expected to cost more than the iPhone 18 Pro models. In Australia, its price could be up to AUD 700 higher than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 currently sells for AUD 2,999 ($2,118) in Australia. Based on that estimate, Apple’s foldable could cost around AUD 3,699 ($2,613). Production issues are reportedly behind the delayed launch. Apple’s suppliers have faced more problems than expected during production verification tests.
The hinge and foldable display are said to be the main challenges. Apple originally planned to start mass production in June, but that schedule slipped to August. The production timeline may now face another delay. Foxconn was still making adjustments to its mass production plans in late July, according to the report.
Unnamed sources also claim that engineering validation could add another two months to the schedule. That could push the foldable iPhone’s wider release further into the future. The report should still be treated with caution. It refers to Apple’s foldable as the “iPhone Fold” and appears to list it separately from the iPhone Ultra.
Recent reports have consistently used the iPhone Ultra name for Apple’s first foldable iPhone. As a result, the report appears to be mixing the names rather than describing two separate foldable models.
Apple has not confirmed the iPhone Ultra, its launch timing, pricing, or the markets where it will be available. More details are likely to emerge as the September event approaches.
