Foldable iPhone Ultra May Launch Later in China, Says Leaker

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Published: 2026-09-08T12:59:52.034Z • Permanent link

Instant Digital, a prominent Chinese tech news outlet, has claimed that Apple is preparing to launch its Foldable iPhone Ultra in China later this year, rather than in the first half of 2024 as previously rumored. According to the report, posted on the Weibo social media platform, Apple has a limited initial inventory for its first foldable device, and the rollout could be shaped by regional allocation. This claim follows a recent report out of Japan suggesting that Apple is indeed working on a foldable iPhone, but with significant delays and production challenges.

The report, which cites unnamed sources within the Chinese tech industry, claims that Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra will be launched in China in the fourth quarter of this year, with a global rollout expected to follow in the first half of 2025. The report also suggests that Apple will be focusing on the Chinese market initially, due to its massive user base and strong demand for new technology. This would be a significant move for Apple, which has historically focused on launching new products in the United States and Europe first.

According to Instant Digital, Apple's decision to delay the launch of its foldable iPhone Ultra is due to a number of factors, including production challenges, regulatory hurdles, and concerns about the device's durability and user experience. The report claims that Apple has been working with several Chinese suppliers to resolve these issues, and that the company is now confident that it can meet demand for the device.

The potential launch of Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra in China has significant implications for the AI & Tech Ecosystems domain. For companies such as Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo, which have already launched their own foldable devices, the launch of a high-end foldable iPhone from Apple could pose a significant threat to their market share. According to a recent report by IDC, the global foldable smartphone market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with Apple expected to be a major player.

The launch of a foldable iPhone Ultra also has implications for research communities and policymakers, who will be watching the device's performance and user experience closely. According to a recent report by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, foldable displays have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology, enabling new forms of augmented reality and interactive storytelling. The launch of a high-end foldable iPhone from Apple could provide valuable insights into the potential of these technologies.

The potential launch of a foldable iPhone Ultra from Apple is part of a larger trend in the tech industry, which is seeing a significant focus on foldable displays and flexible electronics. According to a recent report by the International Trade Administration, the global flexible display market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by demand from the smartphone, tablet, and wearable electronics industries.