Foldable iPhone Revealed Today—But Almost No One Can Buy One

Sarah Johnson · 2026-09-09

### Apple's Foldable Dream Meets a Harsh Reality Apple's first foldable iPhone is finally expected to be unveiled today, but getting your hands on one could be a serious challenge. A new report claims Apple is currently producing only a few hundred units per day, which could leave the company with a very limited supply when the phone goes on sale. The reported production problems seem to be tied to Apple's strict quality standards. Another report suggests the hinge could be proving particularly difficult to manufacture. If either claim is accurate, Apple may struggle to build enough iPhone Ultra units to meet demand when it launches. ### The Big Reveal Is Happening Apple is expected to reveal the foldable iPhone at its 'Surprise and shine' event later today (September 9). The company hasn't confirmed the device yet, but it's widely expected to be one of the biggest announcements of the event. According to sources speaking to Nikkei Asia, Apple is currently managing to produce only a "few hundred" iPhone Ultra units each day. The report doesn't specify exactly what's holding up production, but there are claims that the hinge is one of the components causing difficulties. ### Why the Hinge Is Such a Headache That could be a significant problem for Apple. Foldable phones are already more complicated to manufacture than conventional smartphones. The hinge needs to withstand repeated opening and closing while maintaining the thin profile expected of a premium iPhone. It's a delicate balance, and Apple's exacting standards make it even harder. > "The hinge is the make-or-break component for any foldable. If it fails, the entire device fails." There could be some light at the end of the tunnel, though. Samsung is reportedly set to produce three million displays for the iPhone Ultra by the end of 2026. That suggests Apple expects production to ramp up over time. ### What This Means for You For buyers, however, that doesn't necessarily help at launch. Apple could delay pre-orders, limit initial availability, or simply have far fewer phones ready to ship than it would normally expect for a new iPhone. Here's what you might face if you're hoping to buy one: - Limited stock at launch, possibly selling out within minutes - Delayed pre-orders or a lottery-style reservation system - Higher prices from resellers due to scarcity - Long wait times for backordered units These reports are far from confirmed, so they should be treated cautiously. Still, after years of rumors surrounding Apple's first foldable phone, production problems wouldn't be entirely surprising. ### A Smarter Alternative If supply is particularly tight, buyers who want a new iPhone without waiting could be better served by the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max. Neither is expected to have a foldable hinge to complicate production. They should be easier to find and just as powerful for most people. So, should you camp out for the foldable? Probably not. But if you're curious, keep an eye on the event today. Just don't expect to walk into a store and grab one anytime soon.