Apple’s first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, is expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro line in September 2026, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says launch stock will be extremely limited, with preorders and sales possibly starting later than the announcement.
- Kuo estimates just 0.5–1 million foldable units in Q3 2026, versus 20–22 million iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max units in the same quarter.
- Expected pricing is $2,300–2,500, roughly AED 8,440–9,175, above the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s $2,000 starting point.
- Kuo compares the situation to the iPhone X in 2017, when manufacturing challenges limited launch supply to about 1 million units.
- Nothing is confirmed by Apple yet, including the name, price or exact timing, so treat all of this as pre-launch reporting.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone has gone from perennial rumour to near-certainty, with the latest iOS 27 code all but confirming the device is in the works. The question now is not whether it exists, but whether anyone will actually be able to buy one when it launches. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the answer for most people is: not immediately.
Apple’s iPhone Ultra could cost around AED 9,000 and still be the hardest iPhone to find at launch
Kuo suggests the foldable, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, will be announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026, but preorders and sales would begin later. His industry survey points to assembly shipments of roughly 7–8 million foldable units in the second half of 2026, with just 0.5–1 million of those landing in the third quarter. For comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to ship 20–22 million units in the same window, which Kuo notes already meets the inventory requirement for an official launch. The foldable will not be anywhere close.
His reference point is the iPhone X in 2017. That was Apple’s first phone with OLED and Face ID, and the manufacturing challenges of a major redesign meant only about 1 million units were available at the end of September. Kuo expects the foldable to follow the same pattern, and for the same reason. Bloomberg and Nikkei Asia published similar reports in April, so this is not a lone voice.
What we know about the iPhone Ultra so far
The foldable is reportedly a passport-style, book-format device with two rear cameras, running Apple’s A20 Pro chip on iOS 27. Some reports suggest Apple may skip Face ID in favour of a side-mounted Touch ID solution, presumably a concession to the hinge and thinness constraints. The MacRumors iPhone Fold roundup tracks the full rumour picture if you want the deep dive.
Kuo expects strong demand even at an estimated $2,300–2,500, which works out to roughly AED 8,440–9,175. That puts it comfortably above Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, which starts at $2,000, and well above anything in Apple’s current line-up.
| Device | Expected price | Estimated Q3 2026 units |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Ultra (foldable) | $2,300–2,500 (approx. AED 8,440–9,175) | 0.5–1 million |
| iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max | TBC | 20–22 million |
| Galaxy Z Fold 7 | From $2,000 | On sale now |
FAQ
When will Apple’s foldable iPhone launch?
Analyst reports point to an announcement alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026, though preorders and sales may begin later due to manufacturing constraints. Apple has not confirmed anything.
How much will the foldable iPhone cost in the UAE?
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects a price of around $2,300–2,500, which converts to roughly AED 8,440–9,175. Official UAE pricing has not been announced, so treat these figures as estimates.
Why will the foldable iPhone be hard to buy at launch?
Kuo estimates only 0.5–1 million units will ship in Q3 2026, compared with 20–22 million iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max units. He compares the situation to the iPhone X in 2017, when a major redesign limited launch supply to about 1 million units.
Should UAE buyers wait for the foldable or buy the iPhone 18 Pro?
Unless you specifically want a foldable and are prepared for a wait and a much higher price, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to have far greater availability at launch, including in the UAE.
