If you’re planning to buy Apple’s first foldable iPhone, you might want to set your expectations early. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device will likely sell out fast after launch, and restocking could take weeks.
Kuo, who tracks Apple’s supply chain closely, says Apple will only produce between 500,000 and one million units in the initial period after the phone launches in late Q3 2026. That number is expected to climb to seven or eight million by the end of the year, but the slow start means early buyers could face wait times of six weeks or more. According to Engadget, Kuo expects pre-orders to sell out almost immediately.
The reason for the tight early supply isn’t a lack of demand. It’s the complexity of the phone itself. Foldable devices are harder to build than standard smartphones, and Apple’s first attempt is reportedly pushing manufacturing tolerances in ways that take time to get right at scale.
Kuo draws a direct comparison to the iPhone X, which launched in 2017 with similar supply problems. That phone introduced several new technologies at once, including an OLED full-screen display, a notch, and Face ID. Apple’s production lines needed time to catch up with the design. The foldable iPhone looks likely to follow the same pattern.
So what do we actually know about the device? Apple hasn’t confirmed it exists, so everything is still based on leaks and supply chain reports. That said, the picture is getting clearer. Here’s what’s currently expected:
- A 5.5-inch exterior screen and a 7.8-inch interior screen when unfolded
- A squarer shape than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, making it wider when open
- A flexible OLED panel with a laser-drilled metal support plate to reduce stress on the fold
- A nearly invisible crease
- A price tag of up to $2,500
The device is being referred to as the “iPhone Ultra” or “iPhone Fold” in reports, though neither name is confirmed. Apple could call it something else entirely at launch.
One piece of evidence that the phone is real: Apple’s iOS 27 beta contains code references including terms like “foldState” and “angleDegrees”, along with a variable tracking the number of built-in displays on a device. That kind of code doesn’t usually appear by accident.
The broader context matters here. Samsung has been selling foldable phones since 2019, and the category has grown steadily, even if it remains a small slice of the overall smartphone market. Apple entering the space would shift attention and money toward foldables in a way no other company could. A supply crunch at launch, similar to what happened with the Vision Pro in early 2024, would only add to the hype.
Kuo also notes that the combination of limited supply and a distinct design could push resale prices well above retail in the first few months. That’s not great for buyers, but it does signal genuine interest rather than manufactured scarcity.
It’s worth keeping in mind that Kuo’s forecasts are based on supply chain conversations, not confirmed Apple plans. His track record is solid but not perfect. Until Apple makes an official announcement, all of this remains informed speculation.