The foldable iPhone, tentatively called the iPhone Ultra, is expected to launch first in the US in September, with Japan reportedly set to receive it by the end of October.
The iPhone Ultra is expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in September 2026. It is rumored to launch simultaneously only in the US, with other countries and regions receiving it sequentially over the following 2–3 months. Japan may receive it by the end of October as part of the second wave.
The shortage of initial inventory has been cited as the reason. Full-scale mass production is reportedly about 1–1.5 months behind that of the iPhone 18 Pro series and began in late July. Some estimates put the initial supply at approximately 500,000–1 million units.
Some believe the country-by-country rollout will be similar to the phased international expansion following the Vision Pro’s initial launch in the US. Japan may be expected to be among the second-wave launch countries.
The pre-order start date may also vary by country or region, and it is anticipated that the start date may not be disclosed at the announcement event in regions where the launch will be delayed. Further information is expected to be provided once launch timing has been determined for each country.