Apple to Release Only 3 Million Foldable iPhone Ultra by 2026 Amid Market Caution

As autumn approaches, discussions about the first foldable iPhone are becoming more active. Many analysts assumed that Apple plans to take a grand approach to releasing a premium gadget, which may be called iPhone Ultra, and allegedly put from 7 to 20 million devices on the market by the end of 2026.

However, the Korean portal The Elec shared its own information and reasonably announced much more modest figures.

What is known

According to The Elec's sources, this year Apple plans to release 3 million foldable smartphones. This figure does not sound as impressive against the production volumes of the most popular brands, but it should be noted that for a foldable gadget, this is almost a record figure. For comparison, segment leader Samsung expected to sell 2.4 million Galaxy Z Fold 7 in 2025.

According to the publication's analyst, these figures are related to the fact that after the disastrous release of the mixed reality headset Apple Vision Pro, the company prefers to first release a limited batch of new devices (although 3 million iPhones is not a small number at all), learn the market reaction and only after that adjust the volume of subsequent production.

Journalists know that all screens for the iPhone Ultra are produced by Samsung Display — an exclusive contract has been signed for three years and prohibits Apple from using products from other manufacturers.

Recall, earlier Mark Gurman from Bloomberg refuted rumors of problems with the production of the iPhone Ultra (Fold) smartphone and expressed confidence that it will be presented in September, simultaneously with the iPhone 18 lineup.

Source: The Elec