Highlights
- Apple’s foldable iPhone Ultra is still expected to launch in September 2026 despite earlier reports of delays.
- Component shipments have reportedly begun with suppliers indicating no major postponement.
- If any delay occurs, it is likely to be limited to about one month not extending into 2027.
Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone referred to as the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold could still arrive this September despite earlier reports pointing to a delayed launch.
Fresh information from sources within Apple’s supply chain suggest that Apple is still on track to unveil the device. This means we can expect the foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
iPhone Ultra – Apple Supply Chain Sources Expect September Launch
A latest report citing sources from Apple’s supply chain further strengthens the possibility of a September unveiling for iPhone Ultra.
According to information shared by China Securities Journal and referenced by DigiTimes, one Apple supplier has already begun shipping components for the company’s first foldable iPhone in small quantities. The supplier reportedly received guidance indicating that the device remains scheduled for a September announcement.
The report stated, “According to China Securities Journal, citing a source at an Apple supplier, the company recently started delivering components in small batches for Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The supplier reportedly received guidance indicating that the device is scheduled to be unveiled in September […] A second supply-chain source, separately cited in the report, said it had received no indication of a delay.”
The comments from multiple suppliers suggest that Apple has not communicated any significant changes to its launch plans.
iPhone Ultra – Previous Leaks Suggest Minimal or No Delay
It was Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman who first acknowledged the possibility of a delayed launch but suggested the wait would likely be short. He described the foldable iPhone as being “a little bit delayed,” indicating that an October release could be more likely than a launch at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, tipster Fixed Focus Digital previously claimed that Apple’s foldable smartphone was still expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. According to the tipster, even if there were delays, they would likely be limited to about one month. The same source recently reiterated that claims of a major postponement were “fake.”
However, initial expectations suggested that Apple would introduce the iPhone Ultra together with the iPhone 18 Pro series. However, a Barclays investor note published in March claimed that the foldable iPhone’s launch could be pushed back to December.
A report from Nikkei Asia added that engineering challenges might further impact Apple’s timeline. According to that report, the device could potentially be delayed until early 2027 if development hurdles were not resolved in time.
iPhone Ultra Could Arrive Alongside iPhone 18 Pro
Based on the latest reports, Apple appears increasingly likely to introduce its first foldable iPhone during its traditional September launch event.
While the exact release timeline remains unclear, current indications suggest that the iPhone Ultra could either go on sale alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series or arrive within a few weeks of the flagship lineup. If any delay occurs, recent reports indicate that it would likely be limited to around one month rather than extending into 2027.
More details are expected to emerge as the company moves closer to its next major iPhone launch event.
