If you're already saving up for Apple's first foldable iPhone, you might want to practice your checkout speed, too. A new report from trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the rumored "iPhone Ultra" will face severe stock shortages at launch, setting up a high-demand scenario reminiscent of the chaotic iPhone X debut.
Production Bottlenecks to Limit Initial Supply
Apple will only manage to produce between 500,000 and one million units for the device's initial launch quarter, according to Kuo's analysis. The slow start is blamed on manufacturing challenges tied to the phone's innovative folding design.
This situation echoes the launch of the iPhone X, which also stumbled out of the gate with production hurdles related to its new OLED display and FaceID camera.
High Demand Expected Despite Premium Price
Even with a potential price tag as high as $2,500, demand is expected to overwhelm the initial supply. Kuo’s discussions with carriers and resellers indicate the foldable iPhone will likely sell out the moment pre-orders go live.
Customers could face lead times of six weeks or longer through the end of the year.
"Scarce initial supply, a highly recognizable design, and an innovative user experience should all support a short-term resale premium," Kuo noted in his report.
The Device: What We Know So Far
While Apple remains silent, clues discovered within the recent iOS 27 beta—including terms like "foldState" and "angleDegrees"—are the strongest hints yet that a foldable is on the way.
When closed, it will reportedly have a squarer form factor than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
The design will supposedly incorporate a flexible OLED panel supported by a laser-drilled metal plate. This technique aims to minimize stress on the screen and make the crease nearly invisible.