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Apple Ramps Up Production of Foldable iPhone Ultra Amid High Demand

🔄 Updated 1d ago — new reporting from 9to5Google
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Key points

  • Apple targets 10 million foldable iPhones by end 2026.
  • Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' priced up to $2500.
  • Potential for limited initial availability post-launch.
  • Foldable market prices may rise by 18% by 2026.
  • Apple to release at least five iPhone models by 2027.
  • Apple increased foldable iPhone production target from 7-8 million to 10 million units.
  • Apple prepares for the upcoming iPhone 18 series.
  • Apple plans to launch at least five new iPhone models between late 2026 and early 2027.
  • Apple is negotiating with Chinese chip manufacturers.
  • Apple's stock rebounded 5% after reports of increased foldable iPhone demand.
  • Apple announced dramatic price increases on Macs, iPads, and other products.
  • Counterpoint Research predicts average foldable smartphone price will reach $1,485 in 2026.
  • Book-type foldables' average selling price will rise, clamshell models will fall.
  • Initial iPhone Ultra shipments for Q3 2026 are 0.5-1 million units.
  • iPhone Ultra will have a 5.5-inch outside display and a 7.8-inch inside display.
  • iPhone Ultra will be under 5mm thick when unfolded.
  • iPhone Ultra launch availability may be very limited, similar to iPhone X.
  • Apple is increasing orders for vapor chambers for cooling in future iPhones.
  • Foxconn is making "final mass-production adjustments" for the iPhone Ultra.
  • Apple secured components for 80 million new smartphones for 2H 2026.
  • Apple's total smartphone production for 2026 is expected to exceed 220 million units.
  • Apple expects 70-75 million iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models to be sold.
  • Apple isn't replacing iPhone 17 and iPhone Air with iPhone 18 and Air 2 until spring 2027.
  • Counterpoint Research predicts average foldable smartphone price will rise 18% from 2025 to 2026.
  • Counterpoint Research predicts average foldable smartphone price will rise 29% from 2024 to 2026.
  • iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Q3 2026 shipments are 20-22 million units.
  • iPhone Ultra will be announced in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.
  • iOS 27 developer beta code confirms software for a device with a fold state.
  • Apple introduced vapor chamber cooling with the iPhone 17 Pro.
  • Apple's entry will drive a 21% year-over-year increase in global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026.
  • Samsung's foldable market share will fall from 40% in 2025 to 32% in 2026.
  • Huawei's foldable market share will fall from 30% in 2025 to 24% in 2026.
  • Motorola's foldable market share will fall from 12% to 8%.
  • Honor's foldable market share will fall from 7% to 3%.
  • Initial iPhone Ultra stock will be extremely limited.
  • It could take 3-5 months for suppliers to meet the 10 million unit goal.
  • The iPhone Ultra launch will be global, not US-exclusive.
  • Mass production of the iPhone Ultra is going smoothly despite hinge assembly challenges.
  • Apple's product event is on September 9 at 10 am, PT.
  • The event tagline is ‘Surprise and shine’.
  • The invitation features a glowing Apple logo with a sun shining through.
  • Apple will not release a standard iPhone model in its fall lineup.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have a variable-aperture Main camera.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have a smaller Dynamic Island.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have Apple’s C2 cellular modem.
  • New Pro phones will be offered in dark cherry, black, silver, and light blue.
  • iPhone Ultra will have a virtually crease-free display.
  • iPhone Ultra will have a durable liquid metal hinge.
  • IDC predicts Apple will ship over 10 million foldable iPhones in the first year.
  • Apple's entry will help avert a double-digit decline in the foldable market this year.
  • Apple will capture a significant foldable market share by 2027.
  • Nabila Popal is IDC's senior research director.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will go on sale later the week of the event.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have wide availability on September 18.
  • Apple is manufacturing a few hundred iPhone Ultra units daily.
  • Apple added an extra trial run of iPhone Ultra production in August.
  • Apple's extra trial run delayed commercial production for weeks.
  • Apple focuses on improving production yields of surface flatness and hinge performance.
  • Tens of thousands of phones need to be produced daily to meet the planned goal.
  • Apple's upcoming event will be the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus.
  • John Ternus is the former Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
  • Apple's event may also include news about AirPods and HomePods.
  • The iPhone Ultra will cost more than $2,000.
  • The Apple Vision Pro headset costs $3,500.
  • Apple will launch its first foldable iPhone tomorrow.
  • The regular iPhone 18 is set to launch early next year.
  • The foldable iPhone will be short, squat, and wide, about the size of a passport.
  • Global foldable phone shipments will surpass 100 million units this year.
  • Apple is projected to capture 25% of the foldable market share this year.
  • Apple may be the biggest foldable player by next year.
  • Foldable phones currently account for 2% of the total phone market.
  • Foldable market growth is expected at 24% this year and 37% next year.
  • Counterpoint forecasts up to 6 million foldable iPhone shipments in 2026.
  • Apple will be the No. 2 foldable player in 2026, behind Samsung (38%) and ahead of Huawei (22%).
  • Foldable iPhone development began around 2016.
  • Tim Cook pushed hardware teams to accelerate foldable iPhone work in 2020.
  • Tim Cook was the earliest and biggest champion of the foldable iPhone.
  • Apple originally targeted a $1,999 price for the foldable iPhone.
  • Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold on Monday.
  • Huawei unveiled the Mate XT2 on Monday.
  • Counterpoint Research predicts Apple's foldable market share could grow to 40% in 2027.
  • Dbrand is selling cases for the iPhone Ultra.
  • The iPhone Ultra is expected to use a modified iOS with an iPad-like layout.
  • The Apple iPhone event is scheduled for September 9 at 1PM ET.
  • iPhone Ultra will start at $2,199.
  • iPhone Ultra configurations with more storage could cost up to $3,000.
  • iPhone Ultra may have a delayed launch in China due to its eSIM-only design.
  • iPhone Ultra will use Touch ID instead of Face ID.
  • The foldable iPhone is named 'iPhone Duo'.
  • iPhone Duo will cost $1999.
  • Apple is absorbing some memory component price increases for the iPhone Duo.
  • iPhone Duo will be available in white and dark blue.
  • iPhone Duo will go on sale as early as October.
  • iPhone Duo will support Apple Pencil.
  • iPhone Duo will have a starting price of $2,000 for the 256GB model.
  • iPhone Duo configurations with up to 2TB storage could cost around $3,000.
  • The iPhone Duo name was previously used by Microsoft for its Surface Duo devices.
  • The new iPhone will be the most significant change to the iPhone since 2007.
  • The iPhone Duo will feature an A20 Pro chip.
  • The iPhone Duo will have dual 48-megapixel rear cameras.
  • The iPhone Duo will have a 12MP front camera.
  • The iPhone Duo will have a magnetic hinge system.
  • The iPhone Duo will have a wide design that folds out into a landscape shape.
  • The iPhone Duo will offer multitasking with side-by-side apps.
  • Samsung executives Hee-Cheul Moon and Seungki Choi commented on Apple's foldable entry.
  • Samsung considers device weight a critical factor for customer value in foldables.
  • Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 weighs 201g.
  • iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal display.
  • iPhone Duo pre-orders begin October 16, going on sale October 23.
  • iPhone Duo's inner display is 50% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max screen.
  • iPhone Duo's inner display is 80% larger than the iPhone Pro screen.
  • Both iPhone Duo screens support ProMotion, always-on displays, and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness.
  • iPhone Duo has a custom nano-texture finish to minimize crease visibility and reduce glare.
  • iPhone Duo has an Apple-designed coating for scratch resistance.
  • The FaceTime camera is hidden under the iPhone Duo's inner display.
  • iPhone Duo's Touch ID is integrated into the side button.
  • You can unlock iPhone Duo with Apple Watch.
  • iPhone Duo has speakers on top and bottom for spatial audio.
  • iPhone Duo is available in Star white and night sky colors.
  • iPhone Duo is made from grade 5 titanium.
  • iPhone Duo is IP68 for dust and water resistance.
  • iPhone Duo supports Split View multitasking, allowing videos to be pinned.
  • iPhone Duo can be used in any orientation or partially folded.
  • Standby has been reimagined for iPhone Duo.
  • iPhone Duo's A20 Pro chip has a new display engine.
  • iPhone Duo has a dual-battery architecture.
  • iPhone Duo has 31 hours of video playback for the inner display.
  • iPhone Duo is the thinnest iPhone ever when opened.
  • iPhone Duo's 5.4-inch outer display delivers 90% of the screen area of iPhone 18 Pro.
  • iPhone Duo's hinge has over 100 special components.
  • iPhone Duo has an advanced thermal management system with a custom-designed vapor chamber.
  • iPhone Duo has an advanced camera system.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available for pre-order on September 12.
  • iPhone Duo has a custom torque profile hinge.
  • iPhone Duo's inner screen has a matte finish.
  • iPhone Duo has a gradual screen transition when opening/closing.
  • iPhone Duo's IP68 rating is not permanent and may decrease over time.
  • iPhone Duo's hinge was designed and built with AI and 3D printing.
  • Johny Srouji is Apple's chief hardware officer.
  • Samsung called the iPhone Duo a 'Sims sequel' and 'reheating our leftovers'.
  • iPhone Duo has a 1:1.4 aspect ratio when open and closed.
  • iPhone Duo has 44 hours of video playback for the outer display.
  • iPhone Duo has a 48-megapixel fusion main camera.
  • iPhone Duo has a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera with 2x optical zoom.
  • iPhone Duo is 11.3mm thick when closed.
  • iPhone Duo weighs 254 grams.
  • Motorola teased a new wide Razr Fold after the iPhone Duo announcement.
  • iPhone Duo has a visible screen crease.
  • iPhone Duo has a noticeable under-display camera.
  • iPhone Duo's inner screen is matte, contrasting with the outer Ceramic Shield 2 display.
  • Apple launched developer resources for iPhone Duo, including labs, Q&As, and workshops.
  • iPhone Duo was unveiled alongside iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4, and AirPods 5.
  • iPhone Duo Group Labs are scheduled for September 16 and 17.
  • Q&As on Photos & Camera, SwiftUI, and UIKit are scheduled for September 23.
  • iPhone Duo has a Super Retina XDR inner display.
  • iPhone Duo's inner display has a nano-texture matte finish.
  • iPhone Duo's hinge design is impressive.
  • iPhone Duo feels futuristic and like an engineering marvel.
  • iPhone Duo's form factor will unlock new use cases for productivity and consumption.
  • iPhone Duo has a gradual blur transition when opening or closing.
  • iPhone Duo is usable with some apps while partially folded.
  • iPhone Duo's interior screen has a special outer layer.
  • iPhone Duo's crease is almost impossible to spot.
  • TrendForce predicts Apple will ship 5 million iPhone Duo units in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Apple will capture 24.8% of the foldable market in 2026.
  • TrendForce forecasts global foldable smartphone shipments of 20.2 million units in 2026.
  • TrendForce expects Android foldable shipments to reach 15.2 million units in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Samsung will ship 7.1 million foldable units in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Samsung will have 35.1% foldable market share in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Huawei will ship 5 million foldable units in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Huawei will have 24.8% foldable market share in 2026.
  • iPhone Duo is priced at 15,999 yuan in China.
  • Greater China generates around 17% of Apple's total revenue.
  • Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo sell foldable devices in China.
  • Apple will account for 42% of foldable smartphone panel shipments by 2030.
  • Samsung's foldable panel shipment share will be 33% in 2026.
  • Huawei's foldable panel shipment share will be 25% in 2026.
  • Huawei's foldable panel shipments will decline 6% year-over-year.
  • Foldable panel shipments will grow 74% between 2026 and 2030.
  • Apple and Samsung Display signed a three-year exclusive supply agreement for foldable panels.
  • Each foldable panel for the iPhone Duo costs Apple $250.
  • ESR announced new accessories for the iPhone Duo.
  • ESR's Atelier Vegan Leather Magnetic Case with Flex Stand is for the iPhone Duo.
  • ESR's Atelier case is made from organic silicone leather.
  • Scam sites mimic Apple and offer fake iPhone deals.
  • Scam sites use AI to appear legitimate.
  • Alexandre François investigates scams for WhoisXML API.
  • Mark Gurman predicts most iPhones will be foldable within a decade.
  • Foldable iPhone SE models are possible as manufacturing costs fall.
  • Gurman predicts foldables will replace laptops or tablets for many tasks.
  • Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales in South Korea increased by 10% after iPhone Duo unveiling.
  • iPhone Duo's price in Korea is 1 million won higher than Galaxy Z Fold 8.
  • iPhone Duo will not hit stores until next month.
  • Apple's iPhone Duo announcement increased interest in the overall foldable smartphone market.
  • Apple's entry into the foldable market could boost Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales.
  • IDC estimates 20.6 million foldable phones shipped last year.
  • Global smartphone shipments reached 1.25 billion last year.
  • Apple targets 6-8 million iPhone Duo units for 2026.
  • iPhone Duo assembly yield is currently just over 60%.
  • Suppliers believe it will take six months for production yields to reach a mature level.
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is on sale for $1,350 on Amazon.
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was previously priced at $1,500.
  • The deal is for the mint, 256GB model of the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
  • Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.

Apple's Foldable Ambitions

Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone, the 'iPhone Ultra', in September 2026, with plans to produce and sell approximately 10 million units by the end of the year. The increase in production targets from 7-8 million units reflects heightened demand expectations.

Pricing and Market Impact

The iPhone Ultra is expected to sell for between $2300 and $2500, potentially leading to an 18% rise in average foldable smartphone prices. Apple's entry into the foldable market could influence similar future pricing trends.

Potential Supply Challenges

Despite ambitious production plans, initial shipments might be limited due to manufacturing complexities. Reports predict that only 500,000 to 1 million units will be available initially, delaying availability and possibly driving high resale prices.

Broader Production Goals

In addition to the foldable iPhone, Apple plans to release at least five new iPhone models by 2027, diversifying its offerings amid ongoing component shortages. The company is reinforcing its supply chain by negotiating with Chinese chip manufacturers.

Strategic Outlook

Apple aims to maintain a production level exceeding 220 million units in 2026, showcasing its procurement scale and capacity to navigate supply challenges more effectively than rivals. This strategic positioning is key to meeting market demands and sustaining growth.

Updates

🕒 2026-09-30 · new reporting from 9to5Google
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is on sale for $1,350 on Amazon.
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was previously priced at $1,500.
  • The deal is for the mint, 256GB model of the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
  • Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
🕒 2026-09-29 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Apple targets 6-8 million iPhone Duo units for 2026.
  • iPhone Duo assembly yield is currently just over 60%.
  • Suppliers believe it will take six months for production yields to reach a mature level.
🕒 2026-09-27 · new reporting from Engadget
  • Apple's iPhone Duo announcement increased interest in the overall foldable smartphone market.
  • Apple's entry into the foldable market could boost Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales.
  • IDC estimates 20.6 million foldable phones shipped last year.
  • Global smartphone shipments reached 1.25 billion last year.
🕒 2026-09-27 · new reporting from Engadget
  • iPhone Duo will not hit stores until next month.
🕒 2026-09-18 · new reporting from 9to5Google
  • Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales in South Korea increased by 10% after iPhone Duo unveiling.
  • iPhone Duo's price in Korea is 1 million won higher than Galaxy Z Fold 8.
🕒 2026-09-14 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Mark Gurman predicts most iPhones will be foldable within a decade.
  • Foldable iPhone SE models are possible as manufacturing costs fall.
  • Gurman predicts foldables will replace laptops or tablets for many tasks.
🕒 2026-09-13 · new reporting from Guardian Technology
  • Scam sites mimic Apple and offer fake iPhone deals.
  • Scam sites use AI to appear legitimate.
  • Alexandre François investigates scams for WhoisXML API.
🕒 2026-09-12 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • ESR announced new accessories for the iPhone Duo.
  • ESR's Atelier Vegan Leather Magnetic Case with Flex Stand is for the iPhone Duo.
  • ESR's Atelier case is made from organic silicone leather.
🕒 2026-09-12 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Apple and Samsung Display signed a three-year exclusive supply agreement for foldable panels.
  • Each foldable panel for the iPhone Duo costs Apple $250.
🕒 2026-09-11 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Apple will account for 42% of foldable smartphone panel shipments by 2030.
  • Samsung's foldable panel shipment share will be 33% in 2026.
  • Huawei's foldable panel shipment share will be 25% in 2026.
  • Huawei's foldable panel shipments will decline 6% year-over-year.
  • Foldable panel shipments will grow 74% between 2026 and 2030.
🕒 2026-09-11 · new reporting from CNBC Technology
  • iPhone Duo is priced at 15,999 yuan in China.
  • Greater China generates around 17% of Apple's total revenue.
  • Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo sell foldable devices in China.
🕒 2026-09-10 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • TrendForce predicts Apple will ship 5 million iPhone Duo units in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Apple will capture 24.8% of the foldable market in 2026.
  • TrendForce forecasts global foldable smartphone shipments of 20.2 million units in 2026.
  • TrendForce expects Android foldable shipments to reach 15.2 million units in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Samsung will ship 7.1 million foldable units in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Samsung will have 35.1% foldable market share in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Huawei will ship 5 million foldable units in 2026.
  • TrendForce predicts Huawei will have 24.8% foldable market share in 2026.
🕒 2026-09-10 · new reporting from The Verge, 9to5Mac
  • iPhone Duo is usable with some apps while partially folded.
  • iPhone Duo's interior screen has a special outer layer.
  • iPhone Duo's crease is almost impossible to spot.
🕒 2026-09-10 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • iPhone Duo has a Super Retina XDR inner display.
  • iPhone Duo's inner display has a nano-texture matte finish.
  • iPhone Duo's hinge design is impressive.
  • iPhone Duo feels futuristic and like an engineering marvel.
  • iPhone Duo's form factor will unlock new use cases for productivity and consumption.
  • iPhone Duo has a gradual blur transition when opening or closing.
🕒 2026-09-10 · new reporting from Engadget, 9to5Google, 9to5Mac
  • iPhone Duo has a visible screen crease.
  • iPhone Duo has a noticeable under-display camera.
  • iPhone Duo's inner screen is matte, contrasting with the outer Ceramic Shield 2 display.
  • Apple launched developer resources for iPhone Duo, including labs, Q&As, and workshops.
  • iPhone Duo was unveiled alongside iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4, and AirPods 5.
  • iPhone Duo Group Labs are scheduled for September 16 and 17.
  • Q&As on Photos & Camera, SwiftUI, and UIKit are scheduled for September 23.
🕒 2026-09-09 · new reporting from Engadget, The Verge, 9to5Google, TechCrunch, Ars Technica
  • iPhone Duo has a custom torque profile hinge.
  • iPhone Duo's inner screen has a matte finish.
  • iPhone Duo has a gradual screen transition when opening/closing.
  • iPhone Duo's IP68 rating is not permanent and may decrease over time.
  • iPhone Duo's hinge was designed and built with AI and 3D printing.
  • Johny Srouji is Apple's chief hardware officer.
  • Samsung called the iPhone Duo a 'Sims sequel' and 'reheating our leftovers'.
  • iPhone Duo has a 1:1.4 aspect ratio when open and closed.
  • iPhone Duo has 44 hours of video playback for the outer display.
  • iPhone Duo has a 48-megapixel fusion main camera.
  • iPhone Duo has a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera with 2x optical zoom.
  • iPhone Duo is 11.3mm thick when closed.
  • iPhone Duo weighs 254 grams.
  • Motorola teased a new wide Razr Fold after the iPhone Duo announcement.
🕒 2026-09-09 · new reporting from The Verge, 9to5Mac, TechCrunch, Hacker News Front Page
  • iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal display.
  • iPhone Duo pre-orders begin October 16, going on sale October 23.
  • iPhone Duo's inner display is 50% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max screen.
  • iPhone Duo's inner display is 80% larger than the iPhone Pro screen.
  • Both iPhone Duo screens support ProMotion, always-on displays, and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness.
  • iPhone Duo has a custom nano-texture finish to minimize crease visibility and reduce glare.
  • iPhone Duo has an Apple-designed coating for scratch resistance.
  • The FaceTime camera is hidden under the iPhone Duo's inner display.
  • iPhone Duo's Touch ID is integrated into the side button.
  • You can unlock iPhone Duo with Apple Watch.
  • iPhone Duo has speakers on top and bottom for spatial audio.
  • iPhone Duo is available in Star white and night sky colors.
  • iPhone Duo is made from grade 5 titanium.
  • iPhone Duo is IP68 for dust and water resistance.
  • iPhone Duo supports Split View multitasking, allowing videos to be pinned.
  • iPhone Duo can be used in any orientation or partially folded.
  • Standby has been reimagined for iPhone Duo.
  • iPhone Duo's A20 Pro chip has a new display engine.
  • iPhone Duo has a dual-battery architecture.
  • iPhone Duo has 31 hours of video playback for the inner display.
  • iPhone Duo is the thinnest iPhone ever when opened.
  • iPhone Duo's 5.4-inch outer display delivers 90% of the screen area of iPhone 18 Pro.
  • iPhone Duo's hinge has over 100 special components.
  • iPhone Duo has an advanced thermal management system with a custom-designed vapor chamber.
  • iPhone Duo has an advanced camera system.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available for pre-order on September 12.
🕒 2026-09-09 · new reporting from 9to5Google
  • Samsung executives Hee-Cheul Moon and Seungki Choi commented on Apple's foldable entry.
  • Samsung considers device weight a critical factor for customer value in foldables.
  • Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 weighs 201g.
🕒 2026-09-09 · new reporting from Guardian Technology, Engadget
  • The new iPhone will be the most significant change to the iPhone since 2007.
  • The iPhone Duo will feature an A20 Pro chip.
  • The iPhone Duo will have dual 48-megapixel rear cameras.
  • The iPhone Duo will have a 12MP front camera.
  • The iPhone Duo will have a magnetic hinge system.
  • The iPhone Duo will have a wide design that folds out into a landscape shape.
  • The iPhone Duo will offer multitasking with side-by-side apps.
🕒 2026-09-09 · new reporting from 9to5Mac, The Verge
  • The foldable iPhone is named 'iPhone Duo'.
  • iPhone Duo will cost $1999.
  • Apple is absorbing some memory component price increases for the iPhone Duo.
  • iPhone Duo will be available in white and dark blue.
  • iPhone Duo will go on sale as early as October.
  • iPhone Duo will support Apple Pencil.
  • iPhone Duo will have a starting price of $2,000 for the 256GB model.
  • iPhone Duo configurations with up to 2TB storage could cost around $3,000.
  • The iPhone Duo name was previously used by Microsoft for its Surface Duo devices.
🕒 2026-09-09 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • iPhone Ultra will start at $2,199.
  • iPhone Ultra configurations with more storage could cost up to $3,000.
  • iPhone Ultra may have a delayed launch in China due to its eSIM-only design.
  • iPhone Ultra will use Touch ID instead of Face ID.
🕒 2026-09-08 · new reporting from CNBC Technology, Engadget
  • Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold on Monday.
  • Huawei unveiled the Mate XT2 on Monday.
  • Counterpoint Research predicts Apple's foldable market share could grow to 40% in 2027.
  • Dbrand is selling cases for the iPhone Ultra.
  • The iPhone Ultra is expected to use a modified iOS with an iPad-like layout.
  • The Apple iPhone event is scheduled for September 9 at 1PM ET.
🕒 2026-09-08 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Foldable iPhone development began around 2016.
  • Tim Cook pushed hardware teams to accelerate foldable iPhone work in 2020.
  • Tim Cook was the earliest and biggest champion of the foldable iPhone.
  • Apple originally targeted a $1,999 price for the foldable iPhone.
🕒 2026-09-08 · new reporting from The Verge, 9to5Mac
  • Apple will launch its first foldable iPhone tomorrow.
  • The regular iPhone 18 is set to launch early next year.
  • The foldable iPhone will be short, squat, and wide, about the size of a passport.
  • Global foldable phone shipments will surpass 100 million units this year.
  • Apple is projected to capture 25% of the foldable market share this year.
  • Apple may be the biggest foldable player by next year.
  • Foldable phones currently account for 2% of the total phone market.
  • Foldable market growth is expected at 24% this year and 37% next year.
  • Counterpoint forecasts up to 6 million foldable iPhone shipments in 2026.
  • Apple will be the No. 2 foldable player in 2026, behind Samsung (38%) and ahead of Huawei (22%).
🕒 2026-09-07 · new reporting from TechCrunch
  • Apple's upcoming event will be the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus.
  • John Ternus is the former Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
  • Apple's event may also include news about AirPods and HomePods.
  • The iPhone Ultra will cost more than $2,000.
  • The Apple Vision Pro headset costs $3,500.
🕒 2026-09-04 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Apple is manufacturing a few hundred iPhone Ultra units daily.
  • Apple added an extra trial run of iPhone Ultra production in August.
  • Apple's extra trial run delayed commercial production for weeks.
  • Apple focuses on improving production yields of surface flatness and hinge performance.
  • Tens of thousands of phones need to be produced daily to meet the planned goal.
🕒 2026-08-31 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will go on sale later the week of the event.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have wide availability on September 18.
🕒 2026-08-27 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • IDC predicts Apple will ship over 10 million foldable iPhones in the first year.
  • Apple's entry will help avert a double-digit decline in the foldable market this year.
  • Apple will capture a significant foldable market share by 2027.
  • Nabila Popal is IDC's senior research director.
🕒 2026-08-26 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Apple's product event is on September 9 at 10 am, PT.
  • The event tagline is ‘Surprise and shine’.
  • The invitation features a glowing Apple logo with a sun shining through.
  • Apple will not release a standard iPhone model in its fall lineup.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have a variable-aperture Main camera.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have a smaller Dynamic Island.
  • iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have Apple’s C2 cellular modem.
  • New Pro phones will be offered in dark cherry, black, silver, and light blue.
  • iPhone Ultra will have a virtually crease-free display.
  • iPhone Ultra will have a durable liquid metal hinge.
🕒 2026-08-17 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Initial iPhone Ultra stock will be extremely limited.
  • It could take 3-5 months for suppliers to meet the 10 million unit goal.
  • The iPhone Ultra launch will be global, not US-exclusive.
  • Mass production of the iPhone Ultra is going smoothly despite hinge assembly challenges.
🕒 2026-07-23 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Apple secured components for 80 million new smartphones for 2H 2026.
  • Apple's total smartphone production for 2026 is expected to exceed 220 million units.
  • Apple expects 70-75 million iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models to be sold.
  • Apple isn't replacing iPhone 17 and iPhone Air with iPhone 18 and Air 2 until spring 2027.
  • Counterpoint Research predicts average foldable smartphone price will rise 18% from 2025 to 2026.
  • Counterpoint Research predicts average foldable smartphone price will rise 29% from 2024 to 2026.
  • iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Q3 2026 shipments are 20-22 million units.
  • iPhone Ultra will be announced in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.
  • iOS 27 developer beta code confirms software for a device with a fold state.
  • Apple introduced vapor chamber cooling with the iPhone 17 Pro.
  • Apple's entry will drive a 21% year-over-year increase in global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026.
  • Samsung's foldable market share will fall from 40% in 2025 to 32% in 2026.
  • Huawei's foldable market share will fall from 30% in 2025 to 24% in 2026.
  • Motorola's foldable market share will fall from 12% to 8%.
  • Honor's foldable market share will fall from 7% to 3%.
🕒 2026-07-23 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Apple increased foldable iPhone production target from 7-8 million to 10 million units.
  • Apple prepares for the upcoming iPhone 18 series.
  • Apple plans to launch at least five new iPhone models between late 2026 and early 2027.
  • Apple is negotiating with Chinese chip manufacturers.
  • Apple's stock rebounded 5% after reports of increased foldable iPhone demand.
  • Apple announced dramatic price increases on Macs, iPads, and other products.
  • Counterpoint Research predicts average foldable smartphone price will reach $1,485 in 2026.
  • Book-type foldables' average selling price will rise, clamshell models will fall.
  • Initial iPhone Ultra shipments for Q3 2026 are 0.5-1 million units.
  • iPhone Ultra will have a 5.5-inch outside display and a 7.8-inch inside display.
  • iPhone Ultra will be under 5mm thick when unfolded.
  • iPhone Ultra launch availability may be very limited, similar to iPhone X.
  • Apple is increasing orders for vapor chambers for cooling in future iPhones.
  • Foxconn is making "final mass-production adjustments" for the iPhone Ultra.

✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →

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How outlets covered it

Amazon is selling the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 for $1,350, a reduction from its previous price of $1,500. This limited-time deal makes the foldable smartphone comparable in price to standard flagship phones.

Apple aims to produce 6-8 million iPhone Duo units by 2026, a significantly lower target than typical flagship models. Production faces challenges with assembly yields currently just over 60%, attributed to new designs and strict quality standards.

Apple's recent announcement of the iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone, is generating increased interest in the overall foldable smartphone market. This heightened attention is reportedly leading to higher sales for Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and could drive broader competition and innovation in the segment.

Apple's new iPhone Duo features a nano-texture display designed to reduce the visibility of the screen crease. While initial hands-on experiences suggest the crease is less noticeable, its long-term durability and resistance to cumulative damage from repeated folding are yet to be determined.

Sales of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 in South Korea increased by approximately 10% following the unveiling of the iPhone Duo. This surge is attributed to potential buyers in Samsung's home region who may have been unconvinced by Apple's offering or its higher price point in Korea.

Mark Gurman predicts that foldable iPhones will constitute the majority of new iPhone sales within ten years, driven by falling manufacturing costs and user demand for larger displays. This shift could extend to budget models like the iPhone SE, with Apple potentially capturing a significant share of the foldable market.

Security researchers identified a surge in fraudulent websites mimicking Apple and offering fake iPhone deals following the launch of new iPhone models. These scam sites, often using AI to appear legitimate, aim to defraud consumers seeking discounted or early access to new devices.

ESR has announced a new range of accessories, including the Atelier Vegan Leather Case for the iPhone Duo, alongside products for the iPhone 18 Pro models, charging, AirPods, Apple Watch, and MagSafe wallets. This release provides new protective and functional options for Apple's latest devices, particularly addressing the design challenges of foldable phone cases.

Apple and Samsung Display have reportedly signed a three-year exclusive agreement for Samsung to supply foldable panels for the upcoming iPhone Duo and subsequent models. Each panel is estimated to cost Apple $250, making it a significant component expense for the device.

Counterpoint Research forecasts Apple will account for 42% of foldable smartphone panel shipments by 2030, up from 27% in 2026, following the launch of the iPhone Duo. This growth is expected to shift market share among major manufacturers, with Samsung's share decreasing despite shipment growth.

Apple launched its first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, in China, where it is encountering consumer resistance due to its price point compared to established domestic rivals. The device is priced at 15,999 yuan ($2,230) and enters a competitive market with existing foldable offerings from Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo.

A TrendForce report forecasts that Apple's new iPhone Duo will secure a 24.8% share of the foldable smartphone market by 2026, shipping 5 million units. This entry is expected to help stabilize the overall foldable segment, which is otherwise projected to experience a 20% decline in Android brand shipments due to increased component costs.

Apple is releasing its first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, on October 23rd for $1,999. The device features a passport-like aspect ratio, consistent inner and outer screens, and a nearly invisible crease, distinguishing it from competitors like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Apple has introduced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, featuring a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display. This release marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, potentially influencing future smartphone design and competition.

Apple has launched new developer resources, including labs, Q&As, workshops, and documentation, to help prepare applications for the upcoming iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone. This initiative provides developers with the tools and guidance necessary to optimize their apps for the new device's unique form factor and multiple displays, which is crucial for the successful adoption of the iPhone Duo.

Early hands-on videos of the iPhone Duo indicate that Apple's foldable device exhibits a visible screen crease and a noticeable under-display camera, similar to issues found in Android foldable phones. These observations suggest Apple has not fully resolved common pain points associated with foldable display technology.

Apple announced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, featuring a 7.6-inch internal display and Apple Pencil support. This launch marks Apple's entry into the foldable market, competing with existing Android foldable devices.

Motorola released a video teasing a new wide foldable phone, potentially a wide Razr Fold, following Apple's announcement of the iPhone Duo. This teaser indicates Motorola's continued focus on the foldable market and its response to new competitors.

Apple's upcoming iPhone Duo foldable phone, set for release next month, measures 11.3mm thick when closed and weighs 254 grams. This makes it thicker and heavier than recent foldable models from Samsung and Google, despite its competitive $2,000 price point. The increased bulk is a notable design difference compared to its rivals in the foldable market.

Apple announced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and new Apple Watch features at its fall event. The iPhone Duo marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, while the iPhone 18 Pro focuses on camera upgrades, impacting the competitive smartphone landscape.

Apple has launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, featuring a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display, starting at $1,999. This release marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, potentially influencing content creation and the broader mobile device landscape.

Apple introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, at a recent hardware event. This device marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, offering a new form factor and display technology to compete with existing foldable devices from other manufacturers.

Samsung has reacted to Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo, describing it as a "Sims sequel" and "reheating our leftovers," implying the device's features are not new. This comes as Apple officially enters the foldable phone market with a device similar in form factor to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Apple introduced its first foldable phone, the Duo, which incorporates an AI-designed and 3D-printed hinge to address durability concerns common in foldable devices. This marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, aiming to overcome wear and tear issues with innovative manufacturing techniques.

Apple's new iPhone Duo foldable device features an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, which the company states is not a permanent condition and may decrease over time due to normal wear. This temporary rating is similar to disclaimers found on Google's Pixel Fold devices and other foldable phones, highlighting a common durability consideration for devices with moving parts.

Apple has launched its first foldable iPhone, the Duo, featuring a matte inner screen, a smooth and IP68-rated folding mechanism, and a 5.4-inch outer screen. This release marks Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market, which has been dominated by Android manufacturers since 2019.

Apple introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, featuring a 7.6-inch inner display, A20 Pro chip, and a $1,999 starting price. The company also launched the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max with a 48-megapixel main camera, A20 chip, and an enhanced Dynamic Island.

Apple announced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, will be available for pre-order on October 16 and ship on October 23. This release schedule places it after the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which ship in September, indicating a staggered launch for Apple's new phone models.

Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, featuring a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display, powered by the new A20 Pro chip. This release marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, introducing a new form factor and adapting iOS 27 for versatile interaction, which could significantly influence the mobile device industry.

Apple introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable device, featuring a 7.6-inch inner Retina display and a 5.4-inch outer display. The device runs on the new A20 Pro chip and iOS 27, and includes an under-display camera and a custom nanotexture finish to hide the screen crease.

Apple has officially announced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, featuring a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display. This release marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, potentially influencing future smartphone design and competition within the high-end mobile sector.

Apple has announced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, seven years after the first foldable devices entered the market. The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal display, launching at a starting price of $1,999.

Apple has announced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, featuring a dual-screen design and Apple Pencil support. This release marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, potentially influencing future smartphone design and competition.

Samsung executives Hee-Cheul Moon and Seungki Choi commented on Apple's anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market, stating that Apple's participation is "absolutely welcome" as it will bring attention and legitimacy to the category. Samsung emphasized device weight as a critical factor for customer value in foldables, noting its own progress in reducing the weight of its Galaxy Z Fold series.

Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone is rumored to be named 'Duo' and will start at $2,000 for the 256GB model, with a 2TB version approaching $3,000. This pricing is lower than some previous predictions, potentially indicating Apple's strategy to increase demand. The device is expected to feature an A20 Pro chip, C2 modem, dual 48MP rear cameras, and Apple Pencil support.

Apple is anticipated to unveil its first folding iPhone at its annual fall product announcement, marking a significant design change for the device and the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus. This move introduces Apple into the foldable smartphone market, which competitors have occupied since the late 2010s, and represents a key moment for the company's leadership transition.

Reports indicate Apple's first foldable phone, named 'iPhone Duo,' will launch with a starting price of $2,000 for the 256GB model, with shipping expected in October. This entry into the foldable market introduces a new form factor for Apple, potentially increasing competition and innovation in the high-end smartphone segment.

Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, named 'iPhone Duo', which will feature inner and outer displays and cost $1999. The device is anticipated to go on sale as early as October and will support Apple Pencil.

Rumors suggest Apple's first foldable iPhone, possibly named iPhone Ultra, will start at $2,199, feature Touch ID, and have a less visible display crease than current foldables. The device may also experience a delayed launch in China due to its eSIM-only design.

Dbrand has begun selling cases for an unannounced "iPhone Ultra" foldable phone, suggesting an imminent reveal by Apple. This pre-release sale by an accessory maker indicates the device's existence and potential form factor before its official unveiling.

Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold and Huawei unveiled the Mate XT2, their latest foldable smartphones. These releases occurred just before Apple's rumored announcement of its first foldable iPhone, indicating a competitive move to capture market share.

Apple's foldable iPhone development, which began around 2016, saw increased focus after Tim Cook's return from China in 2020, where he pushed hardware teams to accelerate work. The device, internally called iPhone Ultra, is now projected to cost around $2,199 due to rising component costs, up from an initial target of $1,999.

Counterpoint Research forecasts global foldable phone shipments to exceed 100 million units this year, with Apple projected to capture 25% of the market share and become the largest player by next year. This growth is anticipated with the introduction of the iPhone Ultra, significantly impacting the foldable market which currently accounts for 2% of total phone sales.

Apple is anticipated to launch its first foldable iPhone tomorrow, seven years after Samsung's initial foldable release. This launch is seen as a demonstration of Apple's continued influence on the smartphone industry, with competitors already releasing similarly shaped foldable devices.

Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at an upcoming event, marking a significant entry into the foldable smartphone market. This event will also be the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus, succeeding Tim Cook.

Apple is reportedly manufacturing only a few hundred iPhone Ultra units per day, significantly below the tens of thousands needed to meet demand, due to stringent quality control standards for surface flatness and hinge performance. This slow production ramp could lead to limited availability of the foldable iPhone upon its release, despite expectations of a launch alongside iPhone 18 Pro models.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone Ultra, its first foldable model, next week and ship it in September, though availability will be limited. This timing aligns with recent reports from supply chain sources, despite earlier speculation of delays.

IDC predicts Apple will ship more than 10 million foldable iPhones in their first year of availability, contributing to overall market growth. This forecast suggests Apple's entry will help avert a double-digit decline in the foldable market this year and capture a significant market share by 2027.

Apple's forthcoming iPhone Ultra foldable phone is anticipated to launch with a virtually crease-free display, a thin design that maintains battery life and performance, and a durable liquid metal hinge. These features aim to differentiate it from existing foldable devices, addressing common design compromises in the category.

Apple announced a product event for September 9 to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone, rumored to be called iPhone Ultra. This event marks the introduction of Apple's first foldable device and new Pro iPhone models, impacting the smartphone market with new form factors and updated technology.

New leaks from Weibo suggest Apple's foldable iPhone will launch in September with limited stock, potentially taking 3-5 months for suppliers to meet a 10 million unit goal. While initial availability may be constrained, the launch is expected to be global rather than US-exclusive. One leaker also expressed doubt about the "iPhone Ultra" name for the foldable device.

A new report indicates that Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, might initially launch only in the US due to supply, testing, and pricing challenges. This limited rollout could mean other key markets, such as Australia and China, would experience delays in receiving the device.

New leaks indicate that the iPhone Ultra, Apple's first foldable model, has completed production line setup and is on schedule for a fall launch. Additionally, information suggests next year's 20th-anniversary iPhone Pro models might adopt a thinner, glass-heavy design inspired by the iPhone Air.

Apple is anticipated to release five new products this fall, including the first foldable iPhone Ultra, a new Apple TV 4K, a touchscreen MacBook Ultra, an updated HomePod mini, and a new HomePad smart home hub. These releases address product categories that have seen long waits for updates or represent new directions for Apple's hardware. The launches could significantly impact Apple's product ecosystem and market position in these segments.

Counterpoint Research predicts Apple will secure 25% of the global foldable smartphone market by 2026, following its anticipated entry. This entry is expected to drive a 21% year-over-year increase in overall foldable smartphone shipments in 2026, intensifying competition in the premium book-type foldable segment.

Foxconn is performing "final mass-production adjustments" for the iPhone Ultra, leading to continued uncertainty regarding its exact launch date. While mass production was previously reported to have started, these adjustments could be routine or indicate potential minor delays for Apple's first folding iPhone.

Apple has increased its orders for vapor chambers, which are expected to enhance cooling in future iPhone models, including a potential foldable iPhone. This ramp-up addresses thermal issues seen in earlier models and indicates preparation for higher production targets ahead of an anticipated September launch.

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch the iPhone Ultra, its first foldable phone, as early as September 2026. This device will likely accommodate advanced multitasking capabilities, aiming to deliver iPad Mini-level functionality in a portable form.

Supply chain sources confirm that iPhone Ultra production is on schedule for a September release, countering previous delay reports. Initial supplies may be limited, potentially leading to longer shipping times for customers after launch.

Apple is set to announce the iPhone Ultra in September, but initial availability may be very limited. Analysts suggest only about one million units could be manufactured, mirroring strategies seen in previous product launches and potentially catering to luxury market segments.

Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone, possibly named 'Ultra,' is expected to launch with an initial production of 500,000 to one million units, causing a potential supply shortage. Demand for the device is projected to be high, with shipment figures increasing to 7-8 million units by the end of 2026, despite a high price point of up to $2,500.

Apple's iPhone Ultra is expected to experience limited supply at launch, potentially delaying shipments until late 2026. With only 0.5–1 million units anticipated for the third quarter of 2026, demand is likely to outpace supply, leading to extended delivery times and possibly inflated resale prices.

Counterpoint Research forecasts that Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market will increase average selling prices by 18% to $1,485 by 2026. The rise in prices is attributed to the success of book-type foldables, like the anticipated iPhone Fold, which accounts for a larger share of shipments.

Apple's stock rebounded 5% following reports of increased demand for foldable iPhone Ultra models. The company raised its production forecast from 7-8 million to 10 million units, indicating positive investor sentiment despite prior price hikes on products.

Apple aims to launch five new iPhone models by 2027, increasing foldable device production to 10 million units this year. Amid ongoing component shortages, Apple is negotiating with Chinese chip manufacturers to enhance its supplier base.

Apple has increased its foldable iPhone Ultra production target to 10 million units, up from a forecast of 7-8 million. This adjustment reflects strong demand expectations as Apple also prepares for the upcoming iPhone 18 series.