Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to be called the iPhone Ultra, could face shipping delays despite reportedly entering mass production earlier this month. According to a new DigiTimes report, Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn is still making final adjustments to the production process, leaving the device’s September shipping timeline uncertain.
The report says mass production began in early July, but Foxconn has encountered manufacturing challenges that require refinement before the device is ready for large-scale shipments. While such adjustments are common for new products, the timeline for resolving them remains unclear, raising the possibility that the foldable iPhone could arrive in stores weeks after its expected September unveiling.
Production bottlenecks and timeline shifts
According to DigiTimes, the biggest challenges are in the hinge mechanism and the durability of the display, presumably two of the most mechanically demanding parts of a foldable smartphone. Foxconn is reportedly carrying out engineering adjustments to improve hinge reliability and ensure the display can withstand repeated folding while minimising visible creasing.
If the complications do delay shipping, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could follow a staggered launch strategy. In fact, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had earlier said the iPhone Ultra could be unveiled in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September but ship at a later date, likely in October and November or even beyond. Apple has done this before. The iPhone X was announced on September 12th, 2017, but did not begin shipping until November 3rd because of production constraints.
Reports also suggest initial production of the iPhone Ultra could be limited to around 500,000 to 1 million units in the third quarter, significantly lower than the volumes expected for the standard iPhone 18 Pro lineup. That could result in quick sell-outs and longer delivery times during the initial launch period if demand is strong.
Foldable design and flagship hardware expected
The iPhone Ultra is expected to adopt a book-style design similar to Samsung’s brand new Galaxy Z Fold8, with a 7.8-inch foldable inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen. The Ultra is also tipped to measure under 5mm thick when unfolded. Under the hood, the foldable is expected to be powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, while a dual-cell battery with a combined rated capacity of 4,883mAh is said to keep it running. To accommodate its slim chassis, Apple is reportedly opting for a side-mounted Touch ID sensor instead of Face ID. The phone is also tipped to feature dual 48MP rear cameras and an 18MP front-facing camera, rather than the triple-camera setup found on the Pro models.
The iPhone Ultra is expected to compete directly with premium book-style foldables such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8, although it could carry a significantly higher price tag, with reports pointing to a launch price between USD 2,300 (around Rs 2.2 lakh) and USD 2,500 (around Rs 2.4 lakh). Buyers interested in Apple’s first foldable may therefore have to weigh the appeal of its ecosystem against the possibility of limited availability and a premium price during its initial rollout. Apple’s first foldable is expected to help the company compete more directly with Samsung and other brands that have spent years refining foldable phones. With the category now more mature than it was a few years ago, Apple appears to be prioritising a polished first product over being the first to market.
