The foldable Apple iPhone Ultra could face major launch delays and cost up to RM11,050

Apple is launching its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Ultra, in September 2026. However, it faces major supply shortages. Initial pricing will range between USD2,300 and USD2,600, which is around RM10,166 to RM11,050. Apple will only produce 500,000 to 1,000,000 units in the third quarter of 2026. This low supply will likely delay shipping by one to two months and could cause scalpers to mark up prices by 50 to 100 per cent.

Apple faces severe supply shortages for the new foldable

The production schedule for Apple's first foldable handphone is much tighter than its usual smartphone lineup. For comparison, Apple is preparing 20,000,000 to 22,000,000 units of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max for the third quarter of 2026. The foldable phone numbers represent only 10 per cent of Apple's total target for the year, meaning availability will be highly limited.

This inventory shortage will make the device incredibly difficult to buy during the initial release dates. Consumers can expect a buying experience similar to 2017, when the premium flagship was announced in September but did not reach buyers until November. Walk-in purchases at retail stores will be highly unlikely, so putting in an early preorder is the only realistic way to get a unit before December.

High scalper prices are expected due to low stock

The high excitement for a new design from Apple will likely create extreme demand. With so few units available, scalpers are expected to buy up stock and resell the phones for massive profits. A device that already carries a high initial price could see its cost double on the secondary market during the holiday season.

The supply situation should finally improve by the first quarter of 2027 as factory production ramps up. By then, the initial hype will cool down, and buyers will have a clearer picture of actual market demand.

Rumoured tech specs for the Apple iPhone Ultra

The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature these technical specifications:

• A 5.5-inch outside cover display
• A 7.8-inch internal folding screen that looks like an iPad mini
• A body thickness of under 5mm when unfolded, making it thinner than the upcoming iPhone Air

Are you planning to save up for this ultra-premium foldable phone, or will you stick to a standard smartphone design? Personally, we would advise everyone in Malaysia to wait first, as older iPhones generally get discounted when the new ones come out. Who knows? You might change your mind and opt for the slightly older but still excellent models, like the iPhone 16 or 17. What are your thoughts on the news? Feel free to leave your comments below. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates.