Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities has projected that Apple's foldable iPhone, dubbed the "iPhone Ultra," is likely to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2026. Initial shipments may be constrained, with expectations of only 500,000 to 1 million units available in the third quarter.
Kuo estimates a total of 7 to 8 million foldable iPhones will ship during the second half of 2026, reflecting strong consumer interest. The anticipated price range for this device is between $2,300 and $2,500, yet Kuo believes that demand will remain robust, potentially leading to immediate sell-outs when pre-orders begin.
Launch and Sales Expectations
The foldable iPhone is expected to make headlines alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, although pre-orders could slip to late October with sales commencing in early November. Kuo noted that tight supply might lead to delivery times extending 4 to 6 weeks or more through December.
Market Reactions
Apple's stock (AAPL) was trading at $309 on Monday, noting a slight increase of 0.1%. The stock's performance is near its 52-week high of $317.40, following a recent 4.8% rise. Analysts have given a general consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" for AAPL, with an average price target of $314.85.
Realta Investment Advisors has increased its investment in Apple by 3.0% in Q1, positioning AAPL as its largest holding at 7.1% of its portfolio, valued at approximately $20.46 million. In contrast, Jefferies indicated that the stock might remain "potentially range-bound" as market demand evolves ahead of upcoming launches.
Investor Sentiment on Upcoming Demand
Kuo suggested that the true demand for the foldable iPhone will be more accurately assessed in late 2026 and early 2027, once the initial excitement subsides and production capabilities are enhanced. Historical parallels have been drawn to the iPhone X launch strategy in 2017, which utilized a controlled rollout to generate anticipation before scaling production.
Notably, Apple's recent earnings report disclosed an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.01, surpassing the $1.95 estimate and showcasing revenue of $111.18 billion a growth of 16.6% year over year. Additionally, the company raised its quarterly dividend from $0.26 to $0.27.
