The iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable smartphone, is facing significant production challenges just weeks before its planned debut. The device is scheduled to be unveiled on 9 September, but the anticipation surrounding the new product may be tempered by constrained availability, as manufacturing setbacks could translate into very limited stock once the phone reaches shops.
Reports indicate that Apple managed to produce only a few hundred units of the foldable handset in late August. To hit its planned targets, the company needs to manufacture tens of thousands of devices every day. Apple and its suppliers are reportedly working around the clock to accelerate output, but the process may take longer than desired. Should the situation fail to improve swiftly, the iPhone Ultra could prove very difficult to obtain, at least during the first weeks following its release.
Why Apple’s quality standards are causing the delays
The primary reason for the low output lies in Apple’s exceptionally strict quality control standards. The company reportedly conducted an additional trial run and verification process during August, which pushed back commercial production by several weeks.
Two elements proved crucial for Apple: hinge performance and the flatness of the display. The company demanded testing under more extreme conditions, with a greater number of folding cycles, and enforced higher durability standards than its rivals.
Early estimates suggested Apple was targeting roughly 7 to 8 million units before the end of the year. More recent reports indicate that figure may have been increased to around 10 million units. The inner display of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may have achieved the sort of flatness Apple is insisting upon, with the crease practically disappearing and no longer proving a distraction, though its long-term durability will take years to fully assess.
Will the iPhone Ultra release be delayed?
Rumours of production difficulties and initial supply issues surrounding the foldable iPhone have circulated for months. Apple has reportedly encountered multiple problems with the hinge material and its production, at one point resulting in the phone producing rattling noises.
These obstacles have prompted several reports suggesting the foldable may follow a markedly different release schedule to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Much like the iPhone X, the iPhone Ultra could see pre-orders and shipments delayed until late October or even early November. More extreme claims have even suggested the launch might slip to next spring.
Such delays could benefit some of Apple’s main competitors, granting them additional time to capture market share. Samsung is already enjoying strong momentum with its own passport-style foldable.
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Image: phonearena.com
