Updated

Updated · CNET · Aug 26

Apple Eyes $2,000 Foldable iPhone Ultra in 2026 as 10 Million-Unit Run Risks Shortages

Updated

Updated · CNET · Aug 26

Apple Eyes $2,000 Foldable iPhone Ultra in 2026 as 10 Million-Unit Run Risks Shortages

Q: Why might international buyers secretly receive a completely different iPhone network experience than US customers this September?

International buyers may get a different network experience because Apple is widely rumored to split the iPhone 18 Pro’s modem hardware by region. The strongest reports suggest U.S. iPhone 18 Pro models could keep Qualcomm modems so Apple can preserve support for 5G mmWave, the very fast but short-range network layer used mainly by U.S. carriers such as Verizon in dense areas like stadiums, airports, and downtown cores. Non-U.S. models, by contrast, may switch to Apple’s in-house C2 modem, which is expected to focus on sub-6GHz 5G and better power efficiency but may still lack mmWave support. That means buyers overseas could end up with iPhones that behave differently on cellular even if the phones look identical. In practice, international models may offer better battery life and efficiency on everyday 5G, while U.S. models may retain an edge in rare high-speed mmWave situations. The tradeoff is less about headline speed for most users and more about which networks each region actually relies on. There is still some uncertainty. Qualcomm recently signaled its Apple business will shrink faster than expected, which has fueled speculation that Apple may use its C2 modem more broadly than earlier leaks suggested. But if the regional split holds, the hidden difference this September will be the modem inside the phone—and that will shape signal behavior, peak 5G speeds, and battery performance depending on where the device is sold.

3 articles · Updated · CNET · Aug 26

September 2026 is emerging as the earliest launch window for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, with leaks increasingly pointing to an “iPhone Ultra” debut alongside the iPhone 18 lineup.
Book-style designs dominate the latest reports, describing a wider Pixel Fold-like shape and a 7.8-inch inner display that could be nearly crease-free — a key hurdle that has delayed Apple for years.
10 million units are rumored for the initial production run, but ramp-up could take three to five months at 30%-40% slower than iPhone 17 output, raising the risk of early supply shortages.
Pricing is expected above $2,000, with analyst estimates at $2,000-$2,500; other rumored specs include a 5.5-inch outer screen, 12GB of RAM, a 5,500-mAh battery and possible Touch ID instead of Face ID.
IDC estimates a 2026 launch could lift global foldable phone sales 19% and give Apple about 24% share, despite foldables still representing a niche category.