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Apple’s iPhone Ultra initial China inventory estimated at around one millionunits
Apple's new foldable smartphone, iPhone Ultra, has begun mass production with an initial inventory for China estimated at over one million units. This is lower than Huawei's tri-fold smartphone. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo projects shipments will reach 7-8 million in late 2026, with the initial release expected to ship only 500,000 to 1 million units, significantly less than the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Key points
- iPhone Ultra is Apple's first foldable smartphone, entering mass production.
- Foxconn is hiring extensively to support this production.
- Initial inventory for China is projected at just over 1 million units, lower than competitors.
- Ming-Chi Kuo's estimates suggest only 0.5 to 1 million units will ship in Q3 2026.
- In contrast, iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to ship 20-22 million units in the same period.
Why it matters
- The launch of the foldable iPhone reflects the trend towards innovative device designs in 2025, as foldable technology is gaining traction in the smartphone market.
- Apple is responding to competitive pressures, especially from Huawei, as the market for foldables becomes more saturated.
Apple's cautious approach with the iPhone Ultra's initial inventory highlights the challenges of entering the foldable smartphone market against strong competitors.