Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, commonly referred to as the iPhone Ultra, on September 8, 2026, but limited initial availability and a sizable price gap mean it may not drastically affect Galaxy Z Fold 8 series sales at launch.
iPhone Ultra rollout to be limited at launch
A report claims Apple will announce the foldable iPhone at a press event on September 8, 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The same report says the three phones will not reach stores at the same time: the iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to arrive later in September, while the iPhone Ultra will reportedly be limited to the US at launch, with availability expanding later to other key markets such as China. Countries such as Australia are said not to receive the iPhone Ultra during the initial rollout, removing Apple’s foldable as an option for many shoppers during this year’s holiday season.
Price gap reduces immediate competitive threat
Pricing is cited as a further obstacle. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra retails for AU$2,999 (≈US$2,135), while the iPhone Ultra is estimated at around AU$3,699 (≈US$2,635)—up to AU$700 (≈US$500) higher. The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, positioned as the direct competitor to Apple’s foldable due to similar form factor, screen dimensions and a dual-camera setup, costs AU$2,699 in Australia—about AU$1,000 (≈US$712) cheaper than the expected iPhone Ultra price. Between limited regional availability and a substantially higher price tag, the report concludes the iPhone Ultra is unlikely to make a major dent in Galaxy Z Fold 8 series sales during the crucial holiday shopping window.
