Apple's Foldable iPhone Ultra Could Repeat the iPhone X Story

Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone is once again making headlines, with new reports suggesting that the company could follow the same launch strategy it used for the iPhone X in 2017. While Apple has not officially announced the device, several reliable industry analysts believe the company's first foldable iPhone—often referred to as the "iPhone Ultra"—could become Apple's biggest iPhone launch in years.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may unveil the foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026. However, the device may not become available for pre-order immediately after the announcement, mirroring what happened with the iPhone X.

A Strategy Apple Has Used Before

When Apple introduced the iPhone X in September 2017, it was announced together with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. However, unlike the other models, the iPhone X did not go on sale immediately. Pre-orders began several weeks later because Apple faced production challenges related to its new OLED display and Face ID technology.

Industry analysts now believe the same situation could happen with Apple's first foldable iPhone.

Why Could Apple Delay the Foldable iPhone?

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature several completely new technologies for Apple, including:

• A foldable OLED display
• An advanced hinge mechanism
• A thinner premium design
• More complex manufacturing compared to a traditional iPhone

Because these components are significantly more difficult to manufacture, initial production is expected to be limited. Analysts believe Apple could announce the device first and then open pre-orders several weeks later once production ramps up.

A Premium Device With a Premium Price

Reports suggest the foldable iPhone could cost between $2,299 and $2,499, making it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever produced.

Although the price has not been officially confirmed by Apple, analysts expect the device to target users looking for the most advanced iPhone experience rather than the mainstream market.

Limited Supply Could Increase Demand

Early production is expected to be relatively small, meaning initial stock may sell out quickly. Customers could face waiting periods of several weeks before receiving their devices, similar to what happened during the iPhone X launch.

Apple has successfully used this approach before. Limited availability often creates stronger demand, increased media attention, and greater consumer excitement around a new product.

A Simple Example

Imagine a car manufacturer introducing an entirely new electric vehicle with revolutionary battery technology. The vehicle attracts massive interest, but because the new battery system is difficult to produce, deliveries begin several weeks after the official announcement.

This doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. Instead, it reflects the complexity of manufacturing a brand-new technology while maintaining high-quality standards.

Analysts believe Apple's foldable iPhone could follow a very similar path.

What Is Confirmed—and What Isn't

It is important to separate confirmed facts from industry speculation.

Currently confirmed:

• Apple is widely expected to be developing its first foldable iPhone.
• Multiple respected analysts expect Apple to adopt a launch strategy similar to that of the iPhone X.
• Foldable display production is expected to be more challenging than standard iPhone manufacturing.

Not officially confirmed by Apple:

• The name "iPhone Ultra"
• The final launch date
• Pricing
• Pre-order schedule
• Technical specifications

If analyst predictions prove accurate, Apple's first foldable iPhone could become the company's most significant iPhone launch since the iPhone X. By introducing cutting-edge hardware while carefully managing production, Apple may once again use a strategy that helped make the iPhone X one of the most memorable product launches in the company's history.

However, until Apple makes an official announcement, details such as the device's name, pricing, launch timeline, and availability should be viewed as well-informed industry expectations rather than confirmed facts.