Alongside question marks on whether the first folding iPhone will be branded as the iPhone Fold, iPhone Ultra, or something else, there’s also been uncertainty about the launch timings. (I’m going to refer to it as the iPhone Ultra purely to avoid clumsy phrasing.)

There have been multiple reports suggesting that the launch could be significantly delayed, but a new comment from a leaker with a decent track record says otherwise …

Reports of delayed iPhone Ultra launch

It was initially assumed that the iPhone Ultra would be launched alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. However, a Barclays investor note back in March suggested that the launch would actually be pushed back into December.

There is of course precedent for staggered launches, including the iPhone X, iPhone XR, and the iPhone 14 Plus. We’ve also noted that staggering the launches would maximise manufacturing capacity for both Pro and Ultra models.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman backed reports of a later launch date, but did imply that the new top-tier model wouldn’t follow too long behind the iPhone 18 Pro. He used the phrase “a little bit delayed,” seemingly suggesting that an October launch was more likely than a December one.

A subsequent Nikkei Asia report added its own take when it reported that engineering problems could further delay the launch. That suggested it could even be put back into early 2027.

Leaker says September or October

Leaker Fixed Focus Digital has previously said that the most likely scenario is a simultaneous launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, but that any delay would be one month at most. They have now doubled down on this, explicitly describing reports of longer delays as “false.”

“Apple’s First Foldable Screen May Be Delayed” Fake

“iPhone Ultra Reportedly Delayed to Next Year” Even more ridiculous ​​​ ​​​ ​​​

When challenged about multiple reports pointing to a delay, they responded, “Just take my word for it, no delay.”

9to5Mac’s Take

The Barclays report pointing to a December launch, potentially even delayed into early next year, is very much an outlier here.

My own expectation is that Apple will announce the iPhone Ultra during the September keynote alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. Availability may be pushed back into October but likely no further.

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