Foldable iPhone Ultra: Apple faces supply shortages and record-breaking prices.
Apple's first foldable iPhone model, expected to be called the iPhone Ultra, could launch as late as the end of 2026 with a starting price of $2,300 and facing serious speculation.
Apple is preparing for a major turning point in its smartphone history with the launch of its first foldable iPhone. However, the latest reports from supply chain analysts suggest that consumers may face high prices and prolonged shortages, similar to what happened with the iPhone X nearly a decade ago.
The launch date and role of the new CEO, John Ternus.
According to Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to hold a special event on September 8 or 9, 2026. This will be a significant milestone as the new CEO, John Ternus, will lead the company's keynote presentation for the first time. Besides traditional product lines such as the Apple Watch Series 12, the new Apple Watch Ultra, and the iPhone 18 Pro/iPhone 18 Pro Max, the focus will be on the first foldable iPhone.
Although announced in September, according to TF Securities expert Ming-Chi Kuo, the actual launch of this iPhone model (possibly named iPhone Ultra) is likely to be delayed by several weeks. This creates a large gap between the launch date and the time the product reaches consumers.
The iPhone X scenario repeats itself after 10 years.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has pointed out striking similarities between the iPhone Ultra project and the iPhone X launch event in 2017. At that time, the iPhone X was announced on September 12th but pre-orders didn't begin until October 27th, and it officially went on sale on November 3rd.
Regarding the 2026 foldable iPhone model, industry analyses suggest that the product may not be available until the fourth quarter and will remain in limited quantities for an extended period. The primary reason stems from challenges in the manufacturing process of the foldable display panel and the durability of the components, which are stringent technical hurdles that Apple is striving to overcome.
Record prices and pressure from the resale market.
The most contentious issue is the list price (MSRP). The latest estimates suggest the foldable iPhone Ultra could range from $2,300 to $2,500 (approximately 58 to 63 million VND). This is significantly higher than previous predictions and far exceeds the average price of high-end smartphones currently on the market.
| Expected information | Product details |
|---|---|
| Possible names | iPhone Ultra / iPhone Fold |
| Release date | September 2026 |
| Expected list price | $2,300 - $2,500 |
| Projected production (H2 2026) | 7-8 million units |
The combination of high prices and low supply is expected to fuel a resale market boom. Experts warn that scalpers could push prices up by 50% to 100% above the original price if market demand exceeds Apple's supply capacity by the end of 2026.
Sales expectations and technical barriers
Unlike the resounding success of the iPhone X, with over 20 million units sold in the initial phase, Apple is reportedly setting more cautious expectations for its foldable phone. Only about 7 to 8 million iPhone Ultra units are expected to ship in the second half of 2026.
This caution stems not only from the high price point but also from the complexity of the manufacturing process. Ensuring a seamless user experience on a foldable device without compromising durability is the most challenging problem Apple's engineering team must solve before mass production.