iPhone Ultra Launch Delay Rumours Return, Giving Samsung an Even Bigger Lead

Apple's first foldable iPhone Ultra may not launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as expected. A new report suggests that Apple's manufacturing partner, Foxconn, is working to fix issues with the hinge and display durability, which could delay the foldable's arrival.

The information comes from DigiTimes, who suggest that Foxconn engineers are making last-minute adjustments to improve the hinge mechanism and the long-term durability of the foldable display before it enters mass production.

Since reports suggest that the iPhone Ultra mass production could start this month, there doesn't appear to be much time to make that timeline, if the latest report holds. Moreover, it remains unclear how long these fixes for the iPhone Ultra will take.

Altogether, it just adds more weight to earlier iPhone Ultra launch delay reports, which suggested that the foldable may launch with the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 in Q1 2027.

iPhone Fold from the sides being folded — Image Credit: FPT

The hinge is expected to be one of the iPhone Fold's defining features. Previous leaks claim that the iPhone Ultra will feature a liquid-metal hinge to reduce the display crease and improve durability, an area where foldables have struggled. This will let Apple's first foldable take the fight straight to the Galaxy Z Fold 8s' Samsung's latest Flex Titanium display.

Besides that, the phone is expected to arrive with a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. It could also sport a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a dual-camera setup and an Apple A20 Pro chipset. Besides that, a recent iPhone Ultra battery leak hinted at a 4,883mAh battery capacity.

iPhone Ultra close up at the camera module design showcased — Image Credit: Beebom Gadgets

That said, the latest iPhone Fold Ultra launch delay news could lead to an initial set of buyers exercising caution and being sceptical about the Ultra's durability.

Historically, quick fixes for last-minute supply chain issues in sophisticated products have rarely gone right, and Apple's first time making a foldable may add significantly to these concerns.

Besides, foldables are already quite susceptible to breaking due to moving components. All things combined, while it's not the most positive of starts, we hope Apple doesn't falter, as it's already late to the party and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 has already launched.