Apple iPhone Ultra appears on track for a September launch after clearing a major hurdle

Apple surprised many users last year with the unveiling of the iPhone Air, its ultra-thin smartphone. Now, attention shifts to what could be the company’s next major hardware milestone: its first foldable iPhone. For months, rumours and leaks have revealed details about the device’s specifications. Now, a new report has shed light on its production timeline.

According to a report by The Elec, Apple has finalised the key specifications for the foldable iPhone, which is expected to launch under the name iPhone Ultra. The report states that the device will enter mass production in late July, suggesting that Apple’s long-rumoured foldable phone could be on track to debut in September.

The hinge may no longer be an issue

This development is particularly significant, as earlier reports suggested Apple might delay the launch due to problems with the hinge mechanism. The Elec cites a Taiwanese industry representative who mentioned that slight noises were detected in the hinge during durability testing. However, the source assured that most of these issues have already been resolved.

The report adds that the iPhone Ultra has passed the final verification stage, indicating that development is proceeding as planned.

Production preparations apparently finalised

According to the report, Apple has approved shipments of foldable displays manufactured by Samsung Display. It is also reported that preparations for mass production have been completed up to the module stage.

Meanwhile, the hinge for the upcoming foldable iPhone is being designed and supplied by Taiwan’s Hsinchu Hsing and the US-based Amphenol. With production preparations seemingly in place, the device appears to be drawing closer to launch.

Will it launch in September?

The latest report suggests that Apple could unveil the foldable iPhone Ultra at its September event, where the company is also expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, not everyone is convinced that sales will begin immediately. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in March that the foldable iPhone might not launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. Meanwhile, Barclays analyst Tim Long predicted that shipments might not begin until December, potentially creating a gap of several months between the launch announcement and its availability in stores.

Reports of earlier difficulties had already surfaced

Occasional reports have suggested that Apple’s first foldable device faced engineering hurdles as it entered the final stages of development. In May, leaker Instant Digital claimed that the foldable iPhone was still experiencing durability issues related to its hinge mechanism. Although Apple had reportedly largely resolved screen-creasing issues, the report indicated that the hinge still did not meet the company’s standards for long-term reliability.

Such reports drew attention because Apple is known for imposing strict durability requirements on entirely new product categories.

What might the foldable iPhone offer?

Rumours suggest that Apple’s first foldable phone could feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. The device is also expected to be equipped with the A20 chip and the C2 modem. Other features mentioned include a power button with Touch ID instead of Face ID, as well as a dual-rear-camera system.

As for the price, the foldable iPhone is rumoured to cost around $2,000 (approximately 188,000 rupees).