Foldable iPhone Ultra Production Begins July Despite Hinge Concerns
▼ Summary
– Apple’s foldable iPhone “Ultra” is expected to begin mass production at the end of July, targeting a September launch.
– The device will feature a 7.8-inch foldable OLED panel from Samsung, using a design that eliminates a traditional screen layer for a thinner, more efficient display.
– The hinge, supplied by Shin Zu Shing and Amphenol using 3D-printing, initially caused issues with noise and defect rates during testing, but most problems have been resolved.
– The foldable iPhone is rumored to include a 5.5-inch cover display, Apple’s A20 chip, C2 modem, Touch ID power button, and two rear cameras, priced around $2,000.
– Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported the device is on track for a September debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, though he noted production timing isn’t final.
Mass production of Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to be branded as the iPhone Ultra, is slated to kick off at the end of July, according to a new report from The Elec. Despite earlier speculation about potential delays linked to hinge-related issues, the Korean publication’s sources confirm that Apple remains on track for a September launch, aligning with the company’s traditional release cycle.
The timeline has been a topic of debate. In March, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the foldable device would not ship in the same September window as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, by April, Gurman adjusted his outlook, stating the foldable was still on schedule for a September debut alongside the Pro models, with availability either simultaneous or slightly delayed. He cautioned at the time that “the release is six months away and production has yet to ramp up,” adding that “the timing isn’t final.”
The device’s centerpiece will be a foldable 7.8-inch OLED panel supplied by Samsung. This display employs an innovative design that removes one of the traditional screen layers, instead integrating the color-filtering layer directly into the display stack. The result is a panel that is thinner, lighter, and more power-efficient than conventional foldable screens.
The hinge mechanism, a critical component for any foldable, will be sourced from Taiwan’s Shin Zu Shing and U. S.-based Amphenol. Both suppliers are using 3D-printing techniques to manufacture the hinges. According to The Elec’s sources, Apple faced specific challenges during testing. After undergoing durability tests involving millions of folds, the hinge reportedly began emitting slight noise, and wider-than-expected manufacturing tolerances in certain assembly parts led to higher defect rates. A Taiwan-based industry source cited by the outlet indicated that most of these issues have now been resolved.
Beyond the main display, the foldable iPhone is expected to include a 5.5-inch cover display, Apple’s upcoming A20 chip and C2 modem, a Touch ID power button in place of Face ID, and two rear cameras. Pricing rumors have settled around the $2,000 mark, positioning the device as a premium addition to the lineup. Reports consistently suggest Apple will market this book-style foldable as the iPhone Ultra.
(Source: MacRumors)
