iPhone Ultra: Starts almost like the iPhone 1
The US computer company Apple allegedly only wants to show the new iPhone Ultra or iPhone 18 Ultra with a foldable display at the launch event expected at the beginning of September, but does not name a price. The later launch will initially only take place in the USA.
Availability initially very limited
The iPhone Ultra could shake up the market for foldable smartphones, but it also brings back memories of the introduction of the first generation of iPhones almost 20 years ago. According to a media report from Australia, the availability of the first iPhone with a foldable display will initially be extremely limited. Like the portal Channel News Australia According to reports, Chinese sources in Apple’s supply chain say that Apple wants to officially show the iPhone Ultra for the first time on September 8, 2026, but that no direct market launch is expected yet. The group is reportedly struggling with problems in the supply chain, with sharply increased storage costs also playing a major role.
Presentation, but no availability at launch yet
Apple may also have problems with some mass-produced devices that were originally intended for regular distribution. While the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone Ultra want to be presented for the first time on the same day, Apple should therefore first bring the first two devices onto the market.
While Apple will announce the prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max on September 8th, this step for the iPhone Ultra will still have to wait. The official availability of the iPhone Ultra, which is planned to be later than the “regular” Pro models, is also a long time coming.
Availability initially only in the USA
According to ChannelNews Australia’s sources who work at major retailers and Australian network operators, Apple only wants to offer the iPhone Ultra in the USA due to the initially comparatively low production numbers and the high price of the equivalent of well over 2500 euros. Only later will a few other “key markets” follow, including China. Allegedly, mass production of the iPhone Ultra has only been underway at Apple’s production partners since the beginning of August, although it was actually supposed to start in June. The background is problems in the Product Verification Testing (PVT) phase, in which final tests are intended to ensure flawless mass production.
It is said that there were difficulties, especially in connection with the foldable display and the hinge supplied by Samsung, which now led to the delay. Apple is said to be planning to produce only around seven million iPhone Ultras in the second half of 2026. This is a relatively small number for the US giant, which is why availability will initially be very limited. We will probably find out to what extent all of these statements from the Australian source are confirmed on September 8, 2026, when Apple again invites you to its big launch event for the first models of the iPhone 18 series.
