The first folding iPhone, possibly called iPhone Ultra, is expected to be announced in September — read this for exactly when. But as to when it will go on release, the jury is out. There have been reports saying it’s delayed and others insisting it will be on time. Here’s the latest.
iPhone Ultra Release Date: Latest Reports Predict Delays
The phone faces production hurdles even this late in the cycle, according to a new report from DigiTimes.
“The report says Apple has assigned Foxconn to lead the device from new product introduction (NPI) through to mass production, citing the assembler’s experience with precision structural components and large-scale production tuning. One industry source claimed Foxconn is the only Apple partner with a realistic chance of meeting the expected production target,” MacRumors reported.
If you’re eager to see the new folding phone, that news will disappoint, and may be all the more unsatisfying in the light of recent rumors which suggested that the iPhone Ultra was on schedule.
The last few months have seen rumors which have been hard to keep up with, with claim and counter-claim contradicting each other. An issue with the manufacturing of the hinge and problems with the circuit board suggested that the phone would be delayed, but later reports, as recently as earlier in July, have insisted that there was no delay.
iPhone Ultra Release Date: Samsung’s New Foldable
Interest in Apple’s first folding phone may have just had an uptick with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold8, Samsung’s latest folding phone in a wider, shorter form, almost the dimensions of a passport. Reports say Apple’s foldable will have similar proportions. And increased interest may make Apple all the more determined to be on time.
What To Expect At Apple’s September Keynote
So, where does this leave us? The iPhone Ultra will almost certainly be announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at a keynote, likely on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The only question is whether it will go on sale on Friday, Sept. 18 — the expected onsale date for the iPhone 18 Pro or not.
I believe the chance of an on-schedule release is still very strong, despite this latest report, so the iPhone Ultra release date could still happen on Sept. 18.