Apple May Launch iPhone Ultra Against Galaxy S27 Ultra, Not Z Fold 8

Samsung will likely launch two book-style foldables in about five weeks. What makes the competition even more interesting is that Apple is also working on a book-style foldable, which may debut as the iPhone Ultra. However, recent reports from Taiwan suggest that the iPhone Ultra may not launch until early 2027.

Apple’s first foldable might skip 2026 and target Galaxy S27 Ultra instead

If the supply chain reports are accurate, the iPhone Ultra will rival the Galaxy S27 Ultra, not the Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Rumors are rife that Apple will only unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its fall event. That means the base iPhone 18 and the iPhone Ultra could launch in early 2027.

This lines up with fresh supply chain chatter suggesting Apple may have hit another undisclosed roadblock after resolving earlier concerns around pricing, engineering complexities, hinge materials, and SMT processes. Industry sources point to key partners like TSMC, Foxconn, and Largan Precision preparing for an unusually extended production cycle that stretches well beyond the typical year-end peak.

Notably, Largan Precision CEO Lin En-ping hinted at staggered launches, saying some products would arrive in the third quarter while others would be “postponed to early next year,” a statement widely believed to reference Apple’s upcoming lineup.

In a way, this delay could actually work in Apple’s favor. Launching the iPhone Ultra alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models would almost certainly eat into Pro sales, something Apple typically avoids through careful product segmentation. By pushing the Ultra to early 2027, Apple not only gives the Pro lineup breathing room but also positions its first foldable to directly clash with the Galaxy S27 Ultra during a high-demand cycle.