We’re less than a week away from Apple announcing its first-ever foldable iPhone. A new supply chain report today says that Apple’s “extremely high quality control standards” have led to a much slower ramp for iPhone Ultra production so far.
iPhone Ultra production status
According to Nikkei Asia, Apple is currently making “a few hundred” iPhone Ultra units per day. This could make it “challenging” for Apple to meet market demand for the device.
The report says that Apple added an extra trial run of iPhone Ultra production in August to “ensure the phone can be mass-produced according to its specified design.” This decision reportedly delayed actual commercial production of the device “for weeks.”
In particular, Apple is said to be focused on improving the production yields of the “surface flatness and the performance of the hinge.”
The current situation, according to Nikkei’s sources, could result in limited availability of the iPhone Ultra when sales of the device begin. “Normally, tens of thousands of phones would need to be produced each day to meet the planned production goal for the foldable iPhone,” the report says.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported this week that he expects the foldable iPhone to be released “at the same time or very close to it” as the iPhone 18 Pro models. Gurman said that he doesn’t believe there are “massive delays or supply chain issues” impacting the device at this point.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone Ultra on Wednesday next week as part of its “Surprise and shine” special event. Other rumored announcements include AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and iPhone 18 Pro. What are you most excited to see? Let us know down in the comments.
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