iPhone Ultra to Be Delayed: Apple’s 1st Foldable Launch Likely To Be Postponed Due to Production Challenges, Says Report
Apple's highly anticipated iPhone Ultra, its first foldable smartphone, is rumoured to debut at the September 9, 2026 event alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. Expected to feature a spacious 7.8-inch inner display, Apple's A20 Pro chip, and a premium titanium and aluminum build, the iPhone Ultra may see a staggered global rollout, potentially.
Apple is gearing up for its annual autumn event, with industry insiders widely anticipating a major announcement on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. This keynote is expected to showcase the next generation of flagship smartphones, including the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside the long-rumoured foldable device, widely speculated to be named the iPhone Ultra. While the unveiling is just weeks away, reports indicate that the iPhone Ultra's global release may be significantly delayed and geographically limited at launch.
iPhone Ultra Launch: Staggered Release Expected
Despite the September 9 unveiling, the iPhone Ultra is not expected to hit all markets simultaneously with its iPhone 18 Pro counterparts. Instead, a staggered global rollout is highly probable, with initial availability confined to the US market, followed by key regions such as China in the subsequent months. This delay and limited launch strategy are attributed to ongoing production difficulties, particularly concerning the hinge mechanism and foldable display, as detailed in an earlier report by GSM Arena. Further reports suggest that Apple’s suppliers have encountered more issues than anticipated during production verification tests, leading to revised mass production schedules. iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Pro Max Launch Reportedly Set on September 9; Check Expected Price, Specifications and Features.
iPhone Ultra Design and Key Specifications
The iPhone Ultra is rumoured to feature a sophisticated book-style design, opening to reveal a spacious 7.8-inch inner display. A more compact 5.5-inch cover screen is also expected, with many anticipating a near-creaseless foldable panel – a significant technological advancement. The device is expected to be powered by Apple's new A20 Pro 2nm chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM, ensuring top-tier performance.
In terms of imaging, the iPhone Ultra could sport a dual-camera setup at the rear, both featuring 48MP sensors for wide-angle and ultra-wide shots, notably without a dedicated telephoto lens. For selfies and video calls, dual 18MP front cameras are anticipated, strategically placed on both the outer and inner displays. Biometric security is rumoured to be handled by Touch ID integrated into the power button, foregoing Face ID. The build is expected to utilise a premium titanium and aluminium chassis, contributing to a reported ultra-thin profile of around 4.5mm when unfolded. A 4,883 mAh battery and Apple's C2 modem, potentially offering 5G satellite support, complete the rumoured specification sheet.
Anticipated iPhone Ultra Pricing
The foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to command a premium price tag, potentially starting from approximately $1,999 to $2,500 in the US. Reports also suggest that Apple might not officially announce the pricing for the iPhone Ultra during its September keynote event, possibly due to ongoing production uncertainties and supply chain challenges. This aligns with earlier projections of the device being considerably more expensive than the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.
The Broader iPhone 18 Lineup
Alongside the iPhone Ultra, Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are expected to begin pre-orders on September 12 and go on sale on September 18, 2026. Interestingly, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 models are not expected at this September event, with their launch reportedly pushed back to Spring 2027. iPhone 18 Series Supply: Are Apple Devices Running Short in India Ahead of Launch? Here's What Report Says.
Note: All specifications, pricing, and release details for the iPhone Ultra are based on industry rumours and reports, as Apple has yet to make an official announcement. India pricing and specific variants remain unconfirmed at this time.
Disclaimer: AI tools assisted in compiling the foundational data and research for this report. The final content was reviewed, edited and verified by human editors at LatestLY.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 11:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).