Reports suggest that the foldable iPhone may be difficult to obtain at launch and that shipments may be slightly delayed.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his Apple-related leaks, predicted that the 'foldable iPhone' will be difficult to obtain at launch and that shipments may be delayed.

https://t.co/cH9jwDwlLl

— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) July 5, 2026

Report: iPhone Ultra to have incredibly limited availability at launch, may ship slightly later - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/05/iphone-fold-low-supply-at-launch-delayed-release/

According to the latest industry research conducted by Kuo, while the number of foldable iPhones assembled and shipped will reach approximately 7 to 8 million units in the second half of 2026, the number of assembled and shipped units in the third quarter of 2026 (July-September) is projected to be only 500,000 to 1 million units (about 10% of the total shipments in the second half of 2026).

In contrast, Kuo estimates that the number of assembled and shipped iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max units in the third quarter of 2026, which are expected to be released around the fall of 2026, will be around 20 to 22 million units. This figure significantly exceeds the number of assembled and shipped foldable iPhones, and Kuo said that this means that they have already secured enough inventory to meet the demand at launch.

Due to the low number of foldable iPhones assembled and shipped (inventory) in the third quarter of 2026, Kuo stated, 'The foldable iPhone is likely to follow a similar pattern to the iPhone X released in 2017. That is, it will be announced at the same time as other new models, but pre-orders and the official release will be delayed.' Incidentally, the number of iPhone X shipments in the third quarter of 2017 was estimated to be less than 1 million units.

'iPhone X' Quick Photo Review: This is what the completely redesigned iPhone looks like - GIGAZINE

Based on discussions with carriers, sales channels, and resellers, it has been concluded that demand for the foldable iPhone will remain strong at least until the end of 2026, even with a price tag of approximately $2,300 to $2,500 (approximately 370,000 to 400,000 yen). This means that the foldable iPhone will sell out immediately after pre-orders begin, with delivery times extending to 4 to 6 weeks or even longer, potentially continuing until December. Due to the limited initial supply, its highly distinctive design, and innovative user experience, reselling is expected to be rampant, with resale prices potentially reaching 50 to 100% above the official retail price.

The iPhone X supply shortage was significantly eased by the end of November 2017, with shipments ultimately reaching approximately 30 million units in the second half of 2017. In contrast, Kuo predicts that shipments of foldable iPhones in the second half of 2026 will be limited to only 7 to 8 million units, due to both high prices and manufacturing difficulties.

Kuo stated, 'The best time to assess the true demand for a foldable iPhone will be from the second half of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027 (January-March). By then, the peak of the holiday shopping season and the initial hype will have subsided, and initial production problems and supply constraints should have improved significantly. As these temporary factors gradually resolve, it will become clearer whether the demand for a foldable iPhone is sustainable.'

Rumors about a foldable iPhone are summarized in the following article.

Summary of predictions for the 'foldable iPhone,' including Touch ID instead of Face ID, a revamped UI, and the size of the display - GIGAZINE