Apple is preparing to make a significant entry into the foldable smartphone market with a new premium model tentatively called the iPhone Ultra. According to a recent report, the company has increased its production order for the foldable device to approximately 10 million units, up from earlier estimates of 7 to 8 million. This move signals Apple’s confidence in the foldable form factor and its ability to command a premium price.
The report, sourced from industry suppliers and component manufacturers, indicates that Apple has communicated this higher target in recent weeks. The foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to launch later this year, likely alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September. However, the foldable may see a slightly later release within the same calendar year.
Pricing for the iPhone Ultra is anticipated to be steep. Market research firm IDC has projected an average selling price of $2,500, with top-tier storage configurations potentially reaching $3,000. This would place the device well above existing iPhone models and position it as a luxury offering for early adopters and enthusiasts.
Beyond the foldable, Apple’s overall iPhone lineup for 2026 is expected to be substantial. The report notes that Apple has told suppliers to prepare for total orders of about 220 million iPhones this year, which includes the foldable, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and later the iPhone 18 standard model. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max alone are expected to account for roughly 70 million units, while the remaining 80 million new models (including the foldable) bring the total to 220 million. IDC has previously forecast Apple could ship close to 240 million iPhones in 2026, so these numbers appear consistent with overall bullish market expectations.
The aggressive ordering comes amid ongoing supply chain constraints. The report states that Apple has asked suppliers to reserve common components and parts used in the current iPhone 17 series for the upcoming iPhone 18 premium models. This strategy ensures component availability even as shortages persist across the electronics industry.
Meanwhile, Apple is also adjusting its release cadence for standard models. The iPhone 17 is expected to remain on the market longer than typical, with the iPhone 18 standard model not arriving until spring 2027 — extending the iPhone 17’s lifecycle from 12 months to about 18 months. Similarly, the iPhone Air, introduced in September 2025, may receive an upgrade in spring 2026 rather than following a strict annual cycle.
The rumored foldable iPhone Ultra represents a major design shift for Apple, which has traditionally stuck with rigid glass-sandwich designs. Reports suggest the device will feature a book-style folding mechanism, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, with an internal 7.6-inch OLED display and a smaller external cover screen. Apple is expected to prioritize durability and seamless software integration, leveraging its custom silicon and iOS ecosystem.
Analysts believe the high price point is justified by the engineering challenges and premium materials required. The foldable must withstand repeated flexing while maintaining a thin profile and high-quality display. Apple has reportedly been working on the technology for years, filing numerous patents related to hinge mechanisms, foldable glass, and display protection.
The iPhone Ultra name itself hints at a new tier above the Pro Max, potentially signaling that Apple is creating a separate ultra-premium line that may include other devices in the future. This could be part of a broader strategy to capture the luxury smartphone market and compete with the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei’s Mate X series.
For now, Apple is preparing suppliers for a significant ramp-up in production. The order of 10 million units, while ambitious, is still modest compared to the hundreds of millions of iPhones sold annually. It suggests Apple is testing the waters with a high-margin product that appeals to a niche but lucrative audience.
As always, plans may change, and the final specifications and pricing will only be confirmed at the official launch event. Nonetheless, the reported production increase indicates that Apple is betting bigger on foldables than initially thought, and the industry is watching closely to see how consumers respond to a $2,500 iPhone.
Source:9to5Mac News