Apple’s Foldable “iPhone Ultra” Poised for Staggered Launch
According to a report from an Australian media outlet, Apple’s upcoming foldable device, the “iPhone Ultra,” is anticipated to undergo a staggered release across several countries, reminiscent of the rollout of the Vision Pro headset. Initial availability is expected to be confined to the U.S. market.
ChannelNews, in an exclusive report, divulged that local carriers and a prominent retailer have confirmed the iPhone Ultra will not debut alongside the highly awaited iPhone 18 Pro models in September.
Instead, the roll-out will commence in the United States, followed by other crucial markets such as China over the span of two to three months.
This staggered release has been attributed to supply chain disruptions and complications related to pricing. Furthermore, the publication’s sources indicated that Apple is grappling with testing dilemmas concerning the production models that have already been manufactured.
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had asserted last month that Apple would unveil its inaugural foldable iPhone simultaneously with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
However, he noted that pre-orders for the iPhone Ultra would commence later than those for the other models.
Kuo attributed manufacturing challenges to the constraints on initial production capacities. This report marks the first indication that a staggered international rollout might stem from ongoing supply chain issues.
Echoes of the Vision Pro Launch?
This is not the first instance of Apple executing a staggered product launch. When the Vision Pro debuted in February 2024, its initial release was limited to the U.S.
The headset later became available in markets such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore by June, followed by launches in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK in July.
The rationale behind the staggered launch of the Vision Pro was attributed to limited production output, preparedness of retail locations, and the fact that it represented a novel category for Apple. These same considerations could well apply to the introduction of the iPhone Ultra.
Reports have indicated that the complexity of the iPhone Ultra is causing production setbacks, particularly concerning the durability of its hinge mechanism and display.
Nevertheless, it was previously believed that these hurdles had been resolved during Foxconn’s trial production phase, leading Apple to increase its initial order to approximately 10 million units, a rise from the earlier forecast of 7-8 million units for the year, as reported by Nikkei Asia.
However, this figure of 10 million units represents only a fraction of Kuo’s projection of 20-22 million units for the iPhone 18 Pro models this year.
Meanwhile, Kuo estimates that Apple’s suppliers will only ship 7-8 million foldable iPhones in 2026. At such diminished quantities, Apple may face challenges in satisfying demand across more than 40 countries on launch day.
It is important to note that the notion of a staggered launch is based on assertions from the report’s sources and remains to be validated.
Regardless, clarity is expected in the near future; the unveiling of the iPhone Ultra is imminent, with expectations of an inner display measuring approximately 7.7 to 7.8 inches, a 5.5-inch cover screen, and a thickness of around 4.5mm, with a starting price anticipated to exceed $2,000.
The iPhone event is likely scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, or Wednesday, September 9.
Source link: Macrumors.com.
