Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra to launch in US only, Australia waits months

Apple is preparing to unveil its first foldable iPhone, with the announcement reportedly scheduled for September 8 alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. However, the global rollout of the device is expected to be significantly staggered.

According to sources among component suppliers, the company is simultaneously dealing with supply shortages, issues in testing mass-produced units, and pricing challenges. As a result, Apple is said to plan an initial limited release in the United States only, before gradually expanding availability to other countries, including China.

Australian carriers and major retail chains have already confirmed that the foldable iPhone will not go on sale at the same time as other new models. The device is expected to reach Australia and several other markets only months after the US launch.

The official price of the foldable iPhone has not yet been announced. Analysts suggest that, given the high cost of components, it will be considerably more expensive than Apple's current lineup. In Australia, the device could cost around $700 more than the Samsung Galaxy Fold 8, which sells there for $3,000 in the 256 GB configuration.

This means that Apple's most expensive iPhone ever will initially be available only to a limited number of buyers, while other markets will have to wait several months for deliveries. The company has not yet officially disclosed the exact timeline for expanding sales or the final pricing.