Despite ongoing speculation that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could face limited initial supply, new reports suggest development is proceeding smoothly, with the device still on track for a September release alongside the rest of Apple’s fall lineup.
Supply Chain Sources Say Production Is on Track
Chinese economic media outlet Cai Lian Press reported on the 8th, citing a source within Apple’s supply chain, that the design for the foldable iPhone, tentatively referred to as the “iPhone Ultra,” was finalized some time ago and that mass production is already underway.
There had been predictions that the phone’s launch could face delays due to its complex assembly process and initially limited production capacity. However, according to the report, sources stated they had not heard any indication of a launch delay, adding that the September delivery timeline remains on track as planned.
This aligns with other recent reporting from Chinese media outlets, which have similarly indicated that Apple’s foldable iPhone has entered mass production, with assembly partner Foxconn reportedly ramping up hiring to support expanded manufacturing output.
Initial Supply Could Still Be Limited
Even with production reportedly proceeding smoothly, the possibility of constrained initial supply hasn’t been fully ruled out. A separate report last month indicated that while mass production of the foldable iPhone was scheduled to begin in July, Apple had encountered hinge-related issues during development. While most of these problems are said to have been resolved, that same report suggested initial shipment volumes could still be somewhat limited as a result.
What Analysts Are Predicting
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo weighed in over the weekend as well, predicting that the iPhone Ultra will be unveiled this September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series, though he forecasted that actual retail availability could be delayed by one to two months beyond the announcement.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also revised his outlook on the device’s timeline. Back in March, Gurman had predicted the iPhone Ultra would not launch simultaneously with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. He has since updated that forecast, now expecting the foldable to be unveiled in September alongside the rest of the Pro lineup, with sales beginning around the same time or shortly after.
Production Targets Have Increased
Apple is reported to have instructed its suppliers to prepare for production of approximately 10 million foldable iPhone units this year, a notable increase from earlier estimates of 7 to 8 million units projected just a few months ago. This upward revision suggests Apple may be more confident in both consumer demand and its ability to manufacture the device at scale than earlier reports had indicated.
What to Expect From Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
Apple’s debut foldable iPhone is expected to use a book-style folding design, opening inward much like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Current rumors point to a 5.5-inch external display paired with a larger 7.8-inch internal display when unfolded, offering a screen experience said to be comparable to using an iPad Mini.
On the design front, the device is expected to measure under 5mm thick when fully unfolded, which would make it even thinner than the current iPhone Air. Pricing estimates place the device in the range of $2,300 to $2,500, positioning it as Apple’s most expensive iPhone to date by a significant margin.
What This Means Going Forward
With multiple supply chain sources and prominent analysts now pointing toward a September unveiling, Apple’s foldable iPhone appears increasingly likely to make its debut on schedule, even if actual retail availability trails slightly behind the announcement due to limited initial production. As with any major new product category for Apple, final details around exact pricing, specifications, and availability will likely become clearer as the September event approaches.
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