Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Launch With Limited Stock and Sky-High Resale Prices
Apple’s September event is already shaping up to be one of the company’s biggest product showcases in years. Reports suggest the keynote could take place on September 8 or 9, with John Ternus expected to lead his first major Apple presentation as CEO.
The event is rumored to include several major announcements, including the Apple Watch Series 12, a new Apple Watch Ultra, the iPhone 18 Pro, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, the product likely to steal the spotlight is Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which may arrive under the iPhone Ultra name.
While the device is expected to be announced during the September keynote, buyers may have to wait longer before they can actually get their hands on it. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could face delayed availability, possibly pushing its release into the fourth quarter of 2026.
That would create a situation similar to the iPhone X launch in 2017. Apple announced the iPhone X alongside the iPhone 8 in September of that year, but pre-orders did not begin until late October, with the device reaching stores in early November. The delayed rollout helped build anticipation, but it also led to limited stock and strong demand.
A similar pattern could happen with the foldable iPhone. If Apple announces the device in September but releases it weeks later, supply may be tight during the crucial holiday shopping season. That could make the iPhone Ultra one of the hardest Apple products to buy at launch.
The rumored pricing also suggests this will not be a mainstream iPhone. Current estimates place the foldable iPhone’s starting price between $2,300 and $2,500, making it significantly more expensive than the current Pro Max models. Even by premium smartphone standards, that would put Apple’s foldable device in ultra-luxury territory.
The high price may not stop early adopters, collectors, and Apple fans from rushing to buy it. In fact, limited supply could make demand even stronger. If production cannot keep up, resale prices may climb quickly after launch.
Kuo’s analysis suggests resellers could mark up the device by 50% to 100% if demand outpaces supply. That means a foldable iPhone priced at $2,500 could potentially appear on resale markets for $3,750 to $5,000, especially during the first few weeks after release.
This would make the iPhone Ultra not only one of Apple’s most expensive smartphones ever, but also one of the most profitable devices for scalpers. A delayed release, low production volume, and intense global demand could create the perfect conditions for inflated resale pricing.
However, Apple is not expected to sell foldable iPhones in the same massive numbers as traditional iPhone models. While the iPhone X eventually became a huge commercial success, the first foldable iPhone may remain a more exclusive product at launch.
Analysts estimate Apple could ship around 7 to 8 million foldable iPhone units in the second half of 2026. That is a relatively small number compared to standard iPhone sales, but it would still be a major entry into the foldable smartphone market.
The limited volume is likely tied to several factors. Foldable devices are more difficult to manufacture than standard smartphones, especially when it comes to hinge durability, display quality, battery design, and long-term reliability. Apple is known for waiting until it can deliver a polished experience, so production challenges would not be surprising.
Price is another major factor. At more than $2,000, the foldable iPhone would target a smaller audience than the regular iPhone 18 lineup. Apple may position it as a futuristic flagship for users who want the most advanced iPhone available, rather than a device intended for mass adoption right away.
If the iPhone Ultra name is used, it would also make sense from a branding perspective. Apple already uses “Ultra” to represent its most advanced products, such as the Apple Watch Ultra. A foldable iPhone Ultra would signal that this is not just another iPhone model, but a new top-tier category.
For Apple, the launch could be a defining moment. Foldable smartphones have been available for years, but Apple’s entry into the category would likely bring fresh attention to the market. Many consumers who have avoided foldables so far may reconsider once Apple introduces its own version.
Still, the first-generation foldable iPhone may be difficult to buy at launch. Between a possible release delay, limited production, high retail pricing, and strong resale demand, early buyers may face long wait times or inflated prices.
If the current reports are accurate, Apple’s September keynote could introduce one of the most anticipated iPhones in the company’s history. But for anyone hoping to own the first foldable iPhone, patience — and a very large budget — may be required.
