Tag: September launch

Foldable iPhone Ultra Hinge Issues Resolved, Mass Production to Begin in July

Apple has reportedly smoothed out the squeaky hinge kinks on the foldable iPhone Ultra, meaning the first bendy iPhone will be announced as planned. According to supply chain insiders, mass production is now set to start in July, which is typical for Apple’s fall crop of new phones that usually land at a September event. The annoying noise during durability tests was likely due to overspec tolerances during assembly, which have since been dealt with. With Samsung Display meeting and even surpassing Apple’s quality yield requirements for the foldable panel, the iPhone Ultra’s two most critical components are now ready for final assembly.

Apple May Reshuffle iPhone 18 Launch Schedule, Prioritizing Pro Models

The efforts behind the first foldable iPhone, plus its readiness for a September unveiling, mean Apple will offer more iPhones than ever before, so it might postpone cheaper models until spring. One supply chain exec said Apple will focus on “the Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra” during its September event, while “the launch of the standard model in the existing iPhone lineup will be delayed until next spring.” Apple already managed to catapult the iPhone 17 Pro Max into the top 5 ranking of most popular phones last year, despite selling it for only a quarter. Two other Pro models are also present there, so its more expensive Pro line enjoys plenty of market share momentum.

Price Increases and Competitive Pressure from Samsung

A delayed release of the cheaper iPhone 18 would carry that momentum into 2026, keeping Apple at the top of the phone industry, so a reshuffled fall-spring release scheme makes sense. While the iPhone Ultra is expected to be an expensive niche device—Apple has only ordered three million displays for initial batches from Samsung—the iPhone 18 Pro series may see a drastic price increase, too. Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro could cost as high as $1,399 to recoup rising chip costs, allowing Apple to keep a hefty margin and sell plenty to early adopters if it only offers the Pro and Ultra line in the first few months.

Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 now goes for $1,485 in a Prime Day deal, so Apple will have to unveil a very convincing iPhone Ultra foldable if it intends to price it way higher than its chief competitor. Considering these factors, Apple’s strategy to delay standard models and focus on premium devices seems calculated to maintain its top position in the industry.

• iPhone Ultra mass production starts July, launch likely September
• Hinge noise fixed; Samsung Display met quality yield targets
• Standard iPhone 18 delayed to spring 2026; Pro models remain priority
• iPhone 18 Pro price may reach $1,399 due to chip cost increases
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 priced at $1,485, pressuring Apple’s foldable pricing