The complexity of the iPhone Fold may lead to a sluggish production rollout.
Those eager for Apple’s anticipated iPhone “Ultra” may find availability limited at launch, according to insights from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He predicts substantial demand for Apple’s inaugural foldable smartphone, yet indicates that early production will be constrained, with only 500,000 to one million units ready by the late third quarter of 2026.
Following this initial release period, Kuo estimates that production will ramp up significantly, targeting around seven to eight million units by the close of 2026. The slow start can be attributed to the device’s groundbreaking folding technology, which poses various manufacturing hurdles. Kuo likens this situation to the introduction of the iPhone X, which also experienced a delayed production start due to its cutting-edge features like an OLED display and FaceID technology.
Even with an anticipated price tag nearing $2,500, Kuo believes interest in the foldable iPhone will remain strong throughout 2026. Conversations with “carriers, sales channels, and resellers” suggest an immediate sell-out upon opening for pre-orders, with waiting times potentially extending up to six weeks or longer into December. Kuo notes, “Limited initial supply, a highly recognizable design, and an innovative user experience should all contribute to a temporary resale premium.”
While Kuo’s claims warrant some caution, given that Apple has not officially announced the much-speculated foldable phone, the recently released iOS 27 beta offers hints that such a device may be on the horizon, featuring terms like “foldState” and “angleDegrees.”
The title “iPhone Ultra” (or iPhone Fold) is tentative and may change. Expected specifications include a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner display, which is slightly smaller than the 8.3-inch iPad mini. It is likely to be bulkier than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 when folded but wider when opened. Reports suggest it will utilize a flexible OLED combined with a laser-drilled metal support plate to minimize stress and feature a nearly seamless crease. For further speculation, see our overview on iPhone Fold rumors.
