iPhone Fold release date: US might be only market you can get it at first

Apple's first foldable iPhone could be really, really hard to get

(Credit: @Saurav_DJ47 / X)

• 🍎 Apple is rumored to launch the iPhone Fold in a single market at first

• 🇺🇸 The United States could be the only place you can buy the first foldable iPhone

• 🌎 The phone will eventually make its way to other key markets afterward

• 💰 The reason? Cost and supply issues

• 📆 Apple is expected to announce the iPhone Fold next month

Apple might launch its first foldable iPhone in a single market, at least for a little while. The iPhone Fold is rumored to release exclusively in the United States when it goes on sale later this year, according to ChannelNews Australia. The reason? Supply and pricing issues.

• More: iPhone Fold colors might include dark blue ‘Midnight’ shade instead of black

The report cites a "major Chinese component supplier” who claims that Apple is facing “supply, testing and pricing problems” as it readies the iPhone Fold to launch worldwide. Australia is said to miss out on the device for “months” after it launches in the United States due to the difficulties. Other key markets like China will reportedly get the phone sooner, but will still face a delay compared to when US customers can purchase it.

ChannelNews Australia claims that Apple is facing similar issues to what we’ve heard from other reports in the past. Manufacturing the device with its rumored “Liquidmetal” hinge and minimal crease is said to be causing more headaches than expected, due to a shortened timeline to get the phone to market.

(Credit: @Saurav_DJ47 / X)

The report says that Apple will host an event on September 8 to announce the iPhone Fold, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. That’s one of the dates we believe Apple will choose to announce the products, although given how close it is to Labor Day in the US, it’s doesn’t seem likely to be the actual date.

In addition, Apple will reportedly reveal pricing for the iPhone Fold after the device is announced. It’s possible that the production issues are leading to indecisiveness within the company to get a price tag on the phone, especially given that everything costs more thanks to RAMageddon. Current rumors and predictions suggest the phone will be priced somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500, with higher storage models costing even more.

Apple is said to offer the iPhone Fold in very limited quantities at first, producing around 7 million units initially. Between that and the fact it’s Apple’s first foldable device ever, there’s a good chance this could become the most coveted phone of 2026.

The iPhone Fold is widely expected to be announced early next month. We’re keeping our ear to the ground for more leaks and rumors, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of our coverage.

• Up next: We have the Google Pixel 11 in our office!

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Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.