Apple's upcoming iPhone Ultra will not hit store shelves when expected, a shift that matters to buyers planning to upgrade their foldable device this fall. Supply chain sources tell Channel News that sales are delayed by months in some regions, pushing the actual launch later than the September announcement window. This timeline change means early adopters should adjust their purchase expectations and look for alternative devices if they need a foldable phone immediately.
Supply chain issues push foldable launch beyond September
The delay affects the iPhone Ultra alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which share similar production bottlenecks. Apple plans to announce the iPhone Ultra at its September event, but the hardware will not be available for purchase right away. The company intends to roll out the device in phases, starting with the U.S., China, and Europe, while Australia faces a much later release date.
Production constraints stem from a DRAM shortage that limits the number of units Apple can assemble for the Pro lineup. Quality control checks have reportedly identified issues with many iPhone Ultra units already manufactured, further reducing the number of sellable devices. Apple has capped total production for the second half of 2026 at 7 million units across all three models.
Pricing for the iPhone Ultra is expected to exceed twice the cost of the iPhone 17 Pro, which starts at $1,057. This places the Ultra in a significantly higher price tier than its Pro predecessors, reflecting the complexity of foldable manufacturing and component scarcity. Buyers should expect a premium price tag that aligns with the device's advanced form factor and limited initial availability.
We have been tracking iPhone Ultra closely and reviewed the iPhone 18 Pro Price Hike earlier this year. The upcoming Ultra represents Apple's next step in foldable technology, but supply issues continue to complicate its market entry. The confirmed facts point to a delayed but high-end release, with availability strictly controlled by production limits and quality standards.
Source: NotebookCheck
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