Apple’s first foldable iPhone may be sold in the United States first, according to a new report. The “iPhone Ultra,” which is expected to be unveiled next month, is the device in question.
Citing local telecom carriers and major retailers, Australian IT outlet ChannelNews reported on the 13th (local time) that the iPhone Ultra will not be displayed in Australian stores when the iPhone 18 Pro series is launched in September. The report says it may be unveiled at the same time, but sales will begin in the United States and then expand sequentially to major markets such as China over two to three months.
◆ Announcement together, sales first in the U.S.
According to ChannelNews, the reasons are supply disruptions and price concerns. Sources claimed that test-related issues are still occurring in already produced prototypes.
The iPhone Ultra would be Apple’s first foldable smartphone. It is expected to open like a book, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch display when unfolded. There are also predictions that, when unfolded, it will be less than 5 mm thick, making it thinner than existing iPhones.
Foldable phones are difficult to make. A hinge that can withstand hundreds of thousands of folds and unfolds, and a display that does not leave a crease along the folding line, are considered major technical hurdles. IT outlet Android Headlines reported that the difficulty of producing foldable displays, hinge durability testing, and a shortage of DRAM supply are being cited as factors limiting initial supply.
◆ The 7-million-unit ceiling, and what the numbers suggest
Supply estimates have already been circulating. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities known for his supply chain analysis, estimated last month that assembly shipments of the iPhone Ultra in the second half of this year would total 7 million to 8 million units. He projected that third-quarter shipments would account for only 500,000 to 1 million units, or 10% of that total.
Apple sells new iPhones in more than 40 countries. With only around 7 million units available, it would be difficult to stock stores worldwide on day one. Kuo also estimated the price at $2,300 to $2,500, or in the 3 million won range, and left open the possibility of an iPhone X-style launch in which shipments would be delayed by one to two months after the unveiling. He added that the true scale of demand may only become clear in the first quarter of 2027, once the initial shortage and launch excitement have faded.
There is precedent. In February 2024, Apple launched its mixed-reality headset Vision Pro in the United States first. Sales in China, Japan, and Singapore began four months later in June, while Europe and Australia had to wait until July. Korea did not get the product until November that year. When supply is tight, Apple has already used a playbook of filling its home market first and then expanding gradually.
◆ What should be taken with caution
It is still too early to conclude that the iPhone Ultra will launch only in the U.S. Apple-focused outlet 9to5Mac acknowledged the report’s credibility but pointed out reasons for skepticism.
First, the timing does not line up. ChannelNews’ report was tied to a September 8 unveiling, but this year’s U.S. Labor Day holiday falls on September 7, making a launch event the very next day seem unlike Apple, the outlet noted. 9to5Mac said Wednesday, September 9, was the more likely date.
The source location is also a variable. Because the report is based on sources in China’s component industry and Australia’s retail sector, it may indicate that those two regions will be excluded from the first launch wave, but it is not necessarily proof of a U.S.-only release, according to the analysis.
For Korean consumers, launch order is a key issue. If a phased rollout becomes reality, as with Vision Pro, it would be difficult to rule out the possibility that Korea will be left out of the initial launch countries. Since scarce initial supply tends to trigger overseas purchase demand and premium-price resale, the advice is to verify the official launch schedule before making plans.
The foldable market structure is also expected to shift. Samsung Electronics has led the foldable phone market with its Galaxy Z series, but foldables still account for only a small share of the overall smartphone market.
There is a two-sided interpretation for Samsung: the arrival of its biggest rival, and at the same time a chance for the entire market to grow. If Apple users begin moving to foldables, there are also expectations that opportunities will open for Korean suppliers of components and materials.
The key check point is Apple’s announcement next month. Only when the unveiling date, list of launch countries, and price are made public will it become clear whether the U.S.-only launch rumor is true. Supply volume and distribution strategy are expected to determine the first big battle in this fall’s foldable market.