Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Finally Arrive in September With iPhone 18 Pro: But There’s a Catch…

Apple may finally be ready to enter the foldable smartphone race.

The company is reportedly preparing to unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September. However, Apple could face a major challenge from the beginning limited production.

The much-rumoured device has been referred to as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra in reports, although Apple has not confirmed either name, the specifications or even the existence of the device.

If the reports prove accurate, the launch would represent one of the biggest changes to the iPhone lineup in years.

iPhone Fold could be unveiled in September

Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman have previously suggested that Apple’s foldable iPhone could be introduced around the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models.

However, unveiling the device does not necessarily mean customers will be able to buy it immediately.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reportedly warned that manufacturing challenges could result in limited supplies during the initial phase.

According to estimates cited by MacRumors, Apple’s suppliers could ship around 7 million to 8 million units of the foldable iPhone during 2026.

That would be significantly lower than the production expected for the iPhone 18 Pro models.

The big problem could be availability

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to be considerably more complicated to manufacture than its conventional smartphones.

Kuo has reportedly suggested that pre-orders could begin later in 2026 rather than immediately following the September announcement.

Gurman has similarly indicated that Apple could announce the foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, while the actual sales launch may happen later.

This could create an unusual situation for Apple fans: the company could unveil its most anticipated new iPhone in September, but some buyers may have to wait before they can actually get one.

For markets outside Apple’s initial launch regions, the waiting period could potentially be even longer.

What could the foldable iPhone look like?

Although Apple’s design remains unconfirmed, several reports have pointed towards a book-style foldable design.

The device is expected to feature a display of approximately 5.5 inches on the outside and a much larger 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded.

Another striking detail concerns its thickness.

Reports suggest the foldable iPhone could measure around 4.5mm when unfolded, potentially making thinness one of the key selling points of the device.

However, these specifications remain based on leaks and analyst reports rather than information officially released by Apple.

Apple could charge a premium for its foldable

If you thought the iPhone Pro Max was expensive, Apple’s first foldable could take pricing to an entirely different level.

IDC has reportedly estimated an average selling price of around $2,400, while Kuo has estimated a starting price between $2,299 and $2,499.

Those figures would place the foldable iPhone far above Apple’s existing flagship lineup.

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Importantly, these are analyst estimates and not official Apple pricing.

The premium price would also put Apple’s device firmly into the ultra-premium foldable segment, where Samsung and other manufacturers have already established products.

Why Apple’s entry matters

Apple has watched the foldable smartphone market develop for several years while competitors have experimented with different form factors.

A foldable iPhone would therefore be more than another addition to Apple’s product range.

The company could potentially use its enormous iPhone ecosystem, software integration and brand power to push foldable smartphones further into the mainstream.

But Apple’s late entry also means expectations will be extremely high.

Consumers will likely expect Apple to deliver not simply a foldable screen, but a device that feels polished, durable and genuinely useful in everyday life.

India launch could be delayed

For Indian buyers hoping to get their hands on Apple’s first foldable, availability could be one of the biggest questions.

Limited initial production could potentially result in a delayed launch in some international markets, including India.

However, Apple has not announced country-specific availability, so there is currently no confirmed information about when the device will go on sale in India.

The September event should therefore provide some much-needed clarity.

Apple’s biggest iPhone gamble in years?

For now, Apple’s foldable remains surrounded by reports, leaks and analyst predictions.

The company has not officially confirmed the product, its name, price, specifications or launch schedule.

But if Apple does unveil the device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September, it could become one of the biggest iPhone launches in recent memory.

The bigger question may not be whether Apple can make a foldable iPhone.

It could be how quickly Apple can make enough of them for everyone who wants one.