Apple’s foldable “iPhone Ultra” could launch in mainland China later than in some other markets, according to an often-reliable Chinese leaker.
Posting on social media platform Weibo, Instant Digital said Apple had limited initial inventory for its first foldable device and that the rollout could be determined by regional allocation.
The claim follows a recent report out of Japan suggesting that Apple was struggling to produce more than a few hundred units per day in late August due to the company’s strict quality control standards. Apple has reportedly ordered around 10 million units of the foldable for this year, but durability testing of the hinges and screen is reportedly taking longer than expected.
The leaker’s warning today also echoes an earlier report out of Australia, which suggested the foldable iPhone could see a staggered country-by-country launch over several months, with initial availability limited to the US market.
On the other hand, BloombergMark Gurman of Mark Gurman said he would be “very surprised” if the foldable iPhone didn’t come out at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models or “very close” to them. “Either on the same launch date, or in a double launch, or a few weeks later,” he said in an interview with Tom’s guide.
“This idea of a late October, November launch, massive delays, supply chain issues, I don’t think that’s the case,” he added.
To our knowledge, Gurman has not commented on the claim that the device could see a staggered market-by-market launch, similar to that of the Vision Pro in 2024.
We should learn more about Apple’s launch plans for the foldable iPhone on Wednesday, September 9, when the company is expected to unveil the device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. Stay tuned Woozad for all the latest news and updates.
