12th July 2026 – (Cupertino) Images purportedly showing the packaging of Apple’s first foldable handset, widely tipped to be branded the iPhone Ultra, have surfaced on social media, triggering debate over their authenticity. While the original poster insisted the photographs were genuine, some online users speculated that the images could have been generated using artificial intelligence.
Amid the speculation, supply chain sources have indicated that the foldable device has already moved into mass production. Industry insiders told Chinese financial media that Apple has finalised the design and cleared key manufacturing milestones, including display modules and full device assembly, reducing the likelihood of any significant delay to its planned release.
Assembly partner Foxconn has reportedly begun large-scale recruitment drives to support production. This week, its facility in Ganzhou issued public hiring notices seeking workers aged between 18 and 50 to assist with the manufacture of precision components for Apple smartphones.
Pricing forecasts suggest the foldable model will sit at the very top of Apple’s line-up. Analysts estimate a starting price between 2,299 and 2,399 US dollars, positioning it well above the company’s existing flagship devices and potentially exceeding HK$15,000 in Hong Kong.
Prominent Apple analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo has predicted that initial pre-orders could sell out almost instantly. He further suggested that tight early supply may fuel resale mark-ups of between 50 and 100 per cent on secondary markets, reflecting strong anticipated demand.
Although most major smartphone brands have already launched foldable models, market observers believe Apple’s competitive edge will lie in its brand strength, integrated ecosystem and loyal base of premium users. The company is expected not only to encourage existing high-end iPhone customers to upgrade, but also to attract users currently opting for foldable devices from rivals such as Samsung and Huawei.
Reports indicate Apple may aim to produce around 10 million units in the first year, an upward revision from earlier projections. The book-style foldable is rumoured to feature a 7.8‑inch inner display, a 5.5‑inch outer screen, an A20 chip and a Touch ID-enabled power button.
While some analysts have floated the possibility of a later retail release following a September unveiling, supply chain sources maintain that preparations remain on schedule, with the device widely expected to debut alongside Apple’s next-generation Pro models this autumn