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| According to an industry report from Taiwan, the iPhone Ultra, also known as the iPhone Fold, will not launch with the iPhone 18 Pro in September and will be very expensive. |
Supply chain sources suggest the highly anticipated foldable iPhone won't arrive until 2027, with a price that could surpass $2,000
Apple fans eagerly awaiting the company's first foldable device may need to exercise significantly more patience than anticipated. According to recent reports from Taiwan's United Daily News Group (UDN), the tech giant's inaugural foldable iPhone—rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra—has been pushed back by at least four months and will command a price that sets new records for the iPhone lineup.
Delayed Launch Timeline Disappoints Early Adopters
The latest supply chain indications suggest Apple's foldable device won't see the light of day until early 2027, a significant departure from earlier predictions that had the device launching alongside the iPhone 18 series in September 2026. While Apple is still expected to announce the device at its September event, consumers won't be able to get their hands on it until the following year.
This timeline places the iPhone Ultra in direct competition with Samsung's Galaxy S27 Ultra, expected to launch in January or February 2027. The strategic positioning suggests Apple is deliberately targeting the premium foldable market segment rather than rushing to be first to market.
A Price Point That Will Make Your Wallet Weep
The most startling revelation from these reports concerns pricing. The base model iPhone Fold is expected to retail for approximately $2,000**, with the top-tier configuration featuring more storage likely commanding around **$2,200.
For context, the current iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199 in the US, meaning the foldable iPhone would cost roughly 66% more than Apple's current flagship. European consumers face an even steeper proposition, with calculations suggesting a starting price of at least €2,400 when accounting for regional pricing differences.
Apple's Bold Bet on the Foldable Market
Despite the eye-watering price tag, market research cited by UDN indicates confidence in Apple's ability to capture significant market share. The institute expects Apple to secure 30% of the foldable market and sell approximately 11 million units by 2027.
The original reports from United Daily News Group can be found here: Report 1 and Report 2.
Supply Chain Confirmation Points to Production Ramp-Up
Industry analyst Dan Nystedt highlighted key supply chain developments on social media, noting that Taiwan suppliers including TSMC (chips), Foxconn (assembly), Largan (lens), and Shin Zu Shing (hinges) have all indicated a busier-than-normal end to 2026 in preparation for a major new device launch in early 2027.
"Apple plans to debut the new iPhone 18-series in September, and 1st foldable iPhone in early 2027, media report, extending the busy season for Taiwan suppliers," Nystedt posted on X.
The supply chain activity suggests Apple is serious about its foldable ambitions, even if the timeline has shifted.
What This Means for Apple's Strategy
The delay and premium pricing strategy align with Apple's historical approach of entering established markets with refined, premium products rather than being first to innovate. By waiting until 2027, Apple can observe market trends, address durability concerns that have plagued early foldable devices, and ensure its implementation meets the company's notoriously high standards.
The $2,000+ price point positions the iPhone Fold firmly in the luxury device category, potentially limiting its appeal to early adopters and Apple enthusiasts with substantial disposable income. However, if the market research proves accurate, Apple could still capture a significant portion of the foldable market despite the premium positioning.
Final Thoughts: Proceed with Caution
As with all supply chain rumors and industry speculation, these reports remain unofficial and unconfirmed by Apple. The company has maintained its characteristic silence on future product plans, leaving enthusiasts to piece together information from various sources.
What remains clear is that Apple is actively working on a foldable device, and when it eventually arrives, it will likely command a premium that reflects both the technology inside and Apple's brand positioning. Whether consumers will embrace a $2,000+ foldable iPhone remains to be seen, but if history is any guide, Apple's entry into the foldable market will significantly reshape the category.