A Chinese leaker says Apple’s foldable ‘iPhone Ultra’ may arrive in mainland China later than in some other markets due to a limited initial inventory and regional allocation decisions.
Launch timing and regional allocation for the foldable iPhone
Instant Digital, an oft-reliable Weibo leaker, posted that Apple has a limited initial inventory for its first foldable device and that the rollout could be shaped by regional allocation.
Earlier reporting from Japan said Apple was struggling to produce more than a few hundred units a day in late August because of stringent quality-control standards. Apple has reportedly ordered around 10 million units of the foldable for this year, but hinge and display durability tests are said to be taking longer than expected.
An earlier report out of Australia likewise suggested the foldable could face a staggered, country-by-country launch over several months, with initial availability limited to the U.S. market.
Contrasting view from a Bloomberg reporter
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said he would be “very surprised” if the foldable iPhone does not come out at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models or “very close” to them. “Either on the same launch date, a dual launch, or coming out within weeks later,” he said in an interview with Tom’s Guide. “This idea of a late October, November launch, massive delays, supply chain issues, I don’t believe to be the case,” he added.
To the best of our knowledge, Gurman has not commented on the claim that the device could see a staggered market-by-market launch similar to the Vision Pro rollout in 2024.
We should know more about Apple’s launch plans on Wednesday, September 9, when the company is expected to unveil the foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models.
