Apple’s foldable iPhone Ultra may face a massive supply shortage at launch, with delivery times stretching beyond six weeks.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone could finally arrive this year, but buying one at launch may prove extremely difficult. According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is expected to have a very limited supply of the rumoured iPhone Ultra when it announces the device in September.
The supply shortage could even force Apple to delay shipments by one or two months, following a launch strategy similar to the iPhone X.
Apple may have just 1 million units ready in Q3
Kuo’s latest supply chain survey suggests assembly shipments of the foldable iPhone could reach around 7 million to 8 million units in the second half of 2026.
However, only 500,000 to 1 million units are expected to ship during the third quarter. In comparison, estimated Q3 shipments of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could reach between 20 million and 22 million units.
The extremely low initial supply makes a full-scale September release unlikely, even if Apple officially unveils the iPhone Ultra alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Delivery time could stretch beyond six weeks
Customers hoping to buy the foldable iPhone may face long waiting periods. Kuo estimates delivery times could reach four to six weeks or even longer following the launch.
The iPhone Ultra could remain difficult to purchase until at least December. The analyst also believes resellers may try to take advantage of the shortage, with some devices potentially appearing at a 50% to 100% premium over Apple’s official retail price.
iPhone Ultra expected to cost up to $2,500
The foldable iPhone is rumoured to feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch inner screen, giving users an iPad mini-like experience when unfolded.
The device could measure under 5mm in thickness when unfolded, making it even thinner than the iPhone Air.
Pricing is expected to range between $2,300 and $2,500, potentially making the iPhone Ultra the most expensive iPhone ever launched.
Pre-ordering may be the only way to get one early
With Apple expected to have fewer than one million units available during the initial quarter, customers may struggle to simply walk into an Apple Store and buy the foldable iPhone.
Kuo expects supply pressure and launch hype to ease during the first quarter of 2027. Until then, placing a pre-order immediately after sales open may be the best chance of getting an iPhone Ultra near launch.