'iPhone Ultra' Could Face Staggered Market Rollout, US Only at Launch

Key Points:

• Apple's upcoming foldable "iPhone Ultra" is expected to have a staggered country-by-country launch over several months, with initial availability limited to the U.S., according to an Australian report citing local carriers and a major retailer.
• The staggered rollout is reportedly due to supply setbacks, pricing issues, and ongoing testing problems with production models, delaying the device's availability despite being unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models.
• Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously noted manufacturing challenges limiting early production, and the new report suggests the foldable iPhone's launch pattern may mirror the Vision Pro's phased release due to production complexity and market readiness.
• Production hurdles have centered on the hinge structure and display durability, though trial production improvements at Foxconn have led Apple to increase orders to around 10 million units, which is still significantly lower than the forecasted 20-22 million units for iPhone 18 Pro models.
• The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a 7.7-7.8 inch inner display, a 5.5-inch cover screen, a thickness of about 4.5mm, and a starting price above $2,000, with an unveiling likely in early September.