Foldable iPhone launch: US market first?

The Australian publication also cited sources from local telcos and a major retailer, who claim the foldable iPhone will only arrive in key international markets during a second launch wave after the initial US release.

The reported staggered launch strategy comes as Apple faces mounting pressure across its supply chain. A recent analyst report warned that both the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone could see tight launch-day availability due to the ongoing global memory chip shortage, which has already pushed up component costs across the industry.

If the report proves accurate, Apple would be borrowing a playbook it has used for the Vision Pro. The headset launched exclusively in the US before expanding to other markets several months later. Such an approach would also make sense for Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Unlike a conventional iPhone design, the device is expected to feature an all-new hinge mechanism, a near-crease-free foldable display, and a more complex manufacturing process, all of which could make large-scale production significantly more challenging.

Apple is widely expected to hold its annual iPhone event around 9 September, where the company will unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Source: ChannelNews Australia via 9to5Mac