iPhone Ultra: Latest foldable iPhone release date, price, specs and rumors
Macworld
We’ve been reporting on the supposedly imminent launch of a foldable iPhone for years. There have been strong and reliable rumors of a foldable iPhone being just two years away, dating as far back as 2018, at least. Back then, reliable reports from the likes of CNBC said Apple was going to have a folding iPhone on the market in 2020.
That became 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025… and now it’s expected to land in 2026 – yes, this year! The wait may finally be nearly over: Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone on September 9 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, although reports suggest supplies could be limited and some buyers may have to wait longer to get one.
Rumors suggest the new model could be called the iPhone Ultra and adopt a book-style design that opens into something resembling a small iPad. It’s expected to have an approximately 7.7- to 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer screen, with a wide 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded. Apple is also said to have focused heavily on making the display crease as unobtrusive as possible while keeping the device exceptionally thin.
Inside, we’re expecting some variation of Apple’s A20 chip, around 12GB of RAM, Apple’s C2 cellular modem and potentially the biggest battery yet fitted to an iPhone. Camera rumors point to two 48MP rear cameras and two selfie cameras, but there could be some surprising compromises: the iPhone Ultra may ditch both Face ID and a telephoto camera, using Touch ID in the side button instead. And all that folding technology won’t come cheap, with current estimates putting the starting price at around $1,999 and potentially as high as $2,399 for the top configuration.
Folding iPhone rumors at a glance
Expected launch date: September 9, 2026, but limited supply possible
Likely name: iPhone Ultra rather than iPhone Fold
Form factor: Book-style, opening to a landscape view about the size of an iPad mini
Display: 7.7–7.8-inch inner display, approx 5.3–5.5-inch outer
Camera: Four cameras, no telephoto
Color options: Indigo and white/silver
What will the foldable iPhone be called?
iPhone Ultra is the expected name
Apple’s first foldable iPhone has long been referred to unofficially as the iPhone Fold, some may even refer to it as the iPhone 18 Fold, but more recent reports suggest the company may launch it as the iPhone Ultra.
In March 2026, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reported that the folding iPhone would be one of several new products positioned in Apple’s “Ultra” tier. A month later, Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station (which is hit-and-miss) also claimed Apple was considering the iPhone Ultra name.
The strongest indication came more recently, when Gurman wrote on X that “everyone calls it the Ultra internally.” That makes iPhone Ultra the leading candidate, although it remains possible that “Ultra” is simply an internal name rather than the final branding.
Not everyone is convinced the name fits. Analyst Max Weinbach (to whom Gurman was responding with the above tweet) has argued that the foldable does not seem like an “Ultra” product in the same sense as Apple’s other highest-end devices.
Everyone calls it the Ultra internally. We’ll see what happens.— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) August 11, 2026
Alternative names floated over the years include iPhone Fold, iPhone Ultra Fold, iPhone Duo, iPhone Passport, iPhone Folio and iPhone Wide. The “Passport” nickname refers to the device’s reportedly wide, passport-like proportions when folded.
As of September 2026, however, iPhone Ultra looks like the most credible name. Apple has yet to confirm it, so the final branding may be one of the few surprises left for its “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9.
When will the foldable iPhone launch?
September 9, 2026 launch at Apple Event expected; retail availability may follow later
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at its “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9, 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The regular iPhone 18, 18e or iPhone Air 2, are instead expected to arrive in spring 2027.
There have been conflicting reports about when the foldable will actually go on sale. Nikkei Asia reported that Apple was running behind schedule, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman subsequently said the device was still on track, and could ship at the same time as, or soon after, the iPhone 18 Pro models. Barclays analyst Tim Long has been more cautious, suggesting the foldable may not ship until December.
There is also growing evidence in Apple’s software that the device is close. In June, product designer and engineer Sam Henri Gold found references in the iOS 27 framework to variables named “foldState” and “angleDegrees,” apparently designed to tell apps whether a device is folded and at what angle. Macworld independently confirmed those findings.
iOS 27 framework references “foldState” and “angleDegrees” but I’m sure that’s nothing pic.twitter.com/PcYNVvymms— sam henri gold (@samhenrigold) June 8, 2026
Even if the iPhone Ultra launches on September 9, availability could be tight. During Apple’s Q3 earnings call, Apple then-CEO Tim Cook warned that that the impact of supply constraints would “increase significantly.” That raises the possibility that Apple could have limited stock initially, or begin shipping it later than the iPhone 18 Pro models.
What are the biggest trade-offs for the folding iPhone Ultra
Despite its expected “Ultra” branding and a price that could reach $2,000–$2,500, Apple’s first foldable iPhone may involve several compromises compared with the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The biggest could be Face ID. Reports suggest the foldable will use a side-mounted Touch ID sensor instead, likely because its unusually thin design leaves less room for Apple’s TrueDepth hardware.
It may also sacrifice some camera capability. The foldable is not expected to include a dedicated telephoto camera, meaning buyers could miss out on the optical zoom available on Apple’s Pro models. That would be a significant omission on such an expensive iPhone.
The hinge also means Apple cannot use the same unibody-style construction as on a conventional iPhone, potentially affecting durability and dust resistance. The device is also expected to be eSIM-only worldwide.
There have been questions over MagSafe and wireless charging, partly because of the unusual construction of the rear casing, although more recent reports suggest MagSafe may ultimately be included.
Finally, the foldable is expected to run a specially adapted version of iOS rather than iPadOS. Its larger internal display should enable improved multitasking, but it may still fall short of the more desktop-like productivity experience available on an iPad.
Taken together, those compromises mean the iPhone Ultra could offer something genuinely new without necessarily being the most fully featured iPhone Apple sells. For some buyers, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may remain the more complete flagship.
The folding iPhone will reportedly have a Touch ID-enabled power button rather than Face ID.Foundry
What will the folding iPhone look like? How will it fold?
Book-like design with a vertical fold rumored
Intended to be an iPhone/iPad hybrid
Available in silver/white and Indigo Blue
Apple’s rumored iPhone Ultra is reportedly nearing mass production, with its design largely finalized. Here’s what current leaks suggest about how the foldable iPhone will look and how the hinge and display may work.
What color will the iPhone Ultra be?
The iPhone Ultra is expected to launch in just two color options: silver/white and dark blue.
Back in August, we reported that Apple was working on an Indigo option for its folding phone. Our sources also say that Apple does not currently plan to offer its first folding iPhone in black or space gray. The blue finish is expected to be particularly dark, reportedly closer to the iPhone 17 Pro’s Deep Blue than the MacBook Neo’s Indigo.
A subsequent leak shared by Sonny Dickson on Bluesky added weight to those reports, with photos reportedly showing camera protectors in silver and a deep blue shade that could resemble Indigo, Midnight or the iPhone 17 Pro’s Deep Blue.
These iPhone Fold camera protectors give us a look at two of the colors planned for the device: silver and dark blue.— Sonny Dickson (@sonnydickson.bsky.social) 2026-08-08T22:44:44.846Z
The leaked camera protector matches previous design rumours, showing a horizontal rounded camera bar with openings for two cameras, a microphone and flash.
Book-style, iPad hybrid, design
Multiple leaks point to a book-style foldable with a large, tablet-like internal display, rather than a compact flip-phone design. The device is expected to function as a hybrid between an iPhone and an iPad.
This “passport-style” design will appear noticeably squarer than a traditional iPhone when closed. When unfolded, it’s rumored to resemble an iPad mini-like screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, offering a more expansive viewing experience.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in 2025 that Apple’s foldable will adopt a dual-display setup, with a strong focus on achieving a near crease-free screen when opened.
Other 2025 leaks, including reports from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, also point to a vertical, book-style fold where the left and right sides close together – similar to devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.
Dummy models shared by Sonny Dickson on X in April 2026, demonstrate this book-like form factor.
The latest leaks and dummy models show the wide “passport” design of the iPhone Ultra.Sonny Dickson
Additional dummy unit images from tech YouTuber Vadim Yuryev, further reinforce this wide, book-like “passport” design.
Vadim Yuryev
In December 2025, this 3D image of the iPhone Ultra, based on leaked CAD files, was created by a hobbyist and shared on MakerWorld (now removed), also aligning with these design expectations.
Subsy/MakerWorld
However, alternative concepts have existed. In 2024, The Information reported that Apple had explored clamshell-style prototypes, where the device folds top-to-bottom, similar to traditional flip phones.
This design direction may already be influencing competitors. Our colleagues on TechAdvisor report that Samsung is developing a “Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide” with a similar 4:3 aspect ratio, potentially positioning it as a direct rival to Apple’s iPhone Ultra.
How Apple is overcoming hinge design and crease reduction challenges
Adding a hinge to an iPhone introduces significant engineering challenges that Apple has spent years trying to resolve. While competitors have released multiple generations of foldables, Apple’s slower entry to the market is widely attributed to its focus on refining the hinge and delivering a more seamless user experience.
The biggest technical challenge is the visible and tactile crease where the screen folds. Apple has reportedly made this a priority, aiming to minimise it to the point of being nearly imperceptible.
Weibo leaker Instant Digital claims the iPhone Ultra’s internal design will make it the most repairable folding phone on the market, with elegant modular and stacked elements that minimize interconnects and ribbons.
As a result, the hinge is expected to be a defining feature of the iPhone Ultra, combining advanced materials and engineering to deliver a smoother, more durable folding experience.
To maintain both thinness and durability, Apple is reportedly testing high-end materials for the hinge:
Titanium alloy (rumored for structural strength)
LiquidMetal, according to Ming-Chi Kuo (March 2025), for improved durability, better screen flatness, and reduced creasing.
In July 2025, Kuo reported that Apple had developed a method to reduce crease visibility using metal support plates to better distribute and control bending stress. Apple may use this “laser-drilling metal plate technology” rather than conventional etching to create a more precise microstructure.
Apple also holds several patents for foldable mechanisms which, along with several rumored technologies, may be used:
Variable Thickness Glass: A key part of Apple’s approach is said to involve variable thickness display glass, which is thinner at the fold point to reduce stress during repeated use. This is expected to work alongside an optically clear adhesive layer, designed to further minimise strain and help prevent the visible crease that commonly develops in foldable devices over time.
Stress-Reducing Adhesive: An optically clear adhesive designed to reduce strain on the display during folding.
Ultra-Thin Profile: Expected thickness of around 4.5mm unfolded and 9.5mm folded.
Internal Support: Metal plates beneath the display to maintain a completely flat surface when opened.
In March 2026, reports suggested that Samsung Display – Apple’s primary screen supplier – has developed a near-creaseless OLED panel, showcased at CES 2026 specifically to meet Apple’s standards.
How big will the foldable iPhone Ultra be?
Approx. 9.5mm thick when folded
Approx. 4.5mm when unfolded
According to Jon Prosser in December 2025, Apple’s foldable iPhone Ultra could measure around 9.5mm when closed and just 4.5mm when open. For context, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.5mm thick, while the iPhone Air measures 5.6mm.
If accurate, this would make the iPhone Ultra one of the slimmest foldables, highlighting Apple’s focus on minimising bulk despite the hinge.
However, when asked about the thickness of the iPhone Ultra in April 2026, YouTuber Vadim Yuryev said it would be “exactly 11mm”, which is larger than Prosser’s prediction. He also claimed it would be 0.36mm taller and 0.39mm wider than the iPhone 17 Pro.
Other design features
A leak from Weibo account Instant Digital in February 2026 indicates the volume buttons will be on the top edge, aligned right.
How big will the iPhone Ultra screens be?
The iPhone Ultra is widely expected to feature:
Approx. 7.7–7.8-inch internal display
Approx. 5.3–5.5-inch external display
Ming-Chi Kuo (2025) and TrendForce (July 2025) both pointed to a 7.8-inch inner and 5.5-inch outer display, while The Information later suggested slightly smaller sizes of 7.7 inches and 5.3 inches. This suggests Apple may still be refining final dimensions.
However, a December 2025 report from The Information slightly revised these figures to 7.7 inches internally and 5.3 inches externally, indicating that Apple may still be fine-tuning the final dimensions.
When unfolded, the device is expected to feature a 4:3 aspect ratio, aligning it more closely with the iPad and reinforcing its positioning as a productivity-focused, hybrid device. This would be a notable departure from the tall, narrow displays seen in earlier foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series.
This wider layout is said to:
Improve multitasking
Enhance document reading and web browsing
Deliver an experience closer to an iPad mini
What specs will iPhone Ultra offer?
A20 Pro chip, 12GB RAM, C2 modem expected
The iPhone Ultra is expected to use Apple’s A20 Pro chip, the same flagship processor tipped for the iPhone 18 Pro models. Supply-chain reports also point to 12GB of RAM and storage options reaching as high as 2TB.
Apple is also expected to use more of its own wireless silicon. That could include the C2 cellular modem alongside an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth. 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB capacities are to be expected.
One notable feature is MagSafe charging. In September 2026, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said the folding iPhone will support MagSafe, contradicting earlier reports that Apple might omit it because of the device’s unusual construction.
Battery capacity could be another headline feature. Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital has claimed the iPhone Ultra will have a combined capacity of around 5,000 to 5,500mAh, potentially making it the largest battery ever fitted to an iPhone.
That capacity may be split between the two halves of the device. References to “batteries” rather than “battery” found in the iOS 27 beta have fuelled speculation that Apple is preparing software support for a dual-battery folding iPhone.
What cameras will the foldable iPhone have?
The foldable iPhone is expected to use a dual-camera system on the rear, with two 48MP sensors arranged on a long, thin “plateau” similar to the iPhone Air. Reports suggest the camera bar will be black rather than color-matched to the rest of the phone.
There is still some uncertainty over the exact lens combination. More recent reports point to a wide and telephoto setup, while earlier rumors suggested Apple could omit the telephoto lens and instead use wide and ultrawide cameras. If the telephoto camera is missing, it would be a significant compromise for such an expensive “Ultra” model.
The foldable is also expected to have two front-facing cameras – specified to be the usual 18MP Centre Stage cameras by TrendForce in June – allowing one to be used when the phone is closed and another when it is unfolded. Leaks have suggested Apple could combine an under-display camera with a second punch-hole camera.
A November 2025 JP Morgan report also claimed Apple could omit LiDAR and optical image stabilization, although those details remain uncertain.
Not all the rumors point to cutbacks. Tech YouTuber Vadim Yuryev claimed in April 2026 that the camera sensors could actually be physically larger than those used in the iPhone 17 Pro.
How much will the folding iPhone Ultra cost?
Premium price expected: $2,000 or more
Apple’s first folding iPhone is expected to sit at the very top of the iPhone lineup, with most reports pointing to a starting price of around $2,000.
Analyst Arthur Liao has predicted a price of up to $2,399, based on the high cost of components such as the folding display and hinge, as well as Apple’s usual premium margins.
A September 2026 TrendForce report puts the likely starting price at $2,099 to $2,299, with higher-capacity configurations potentially exceeding $3,000.
Reports from Weibo leakers have suggested a starting price of RMB 15,999 in China for the 256GB model, rising to RMB 19,999 for 1TB. Using the pricing relationship of comparable Apple products, that would broadly translate to around $1,999 to $2,399 in the U.S.
Taken together, the rumors suggest the iPhone Ultra will start at roughly $2,000, with higher-storage models costing considerably more.
FAQ
Why is Apple making a folding iPhone now?
If you’re wondering why Apple is only launching a folding iPhone now – years after Samsung introduced the Galaxy Fold in 2019 – the answer may lie in Apple’s long-standing approach to new product categories. Rather than being first to market, Apple often waits for a technology to mature before entering the space.
When Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone in 2007, he talked about how the rest of the market was constrained by physical keyboards and styluses, but the iPhone would instead have a multi-touch display that could change depending on the task. Apple may be taking a similar approach with foldables. The company appears to believe that display technology, durability, and consumer interest have finally reached a point where a folding iPhone could appeal to mainstream buyers rather than just early adopters.
In other words, Apple’s goal may not be to invent the foldable phone, but to make it a product that millions of people actually want to use every day.
Will the iPhone Ultra replace the iPhone Pro Max?
It is thought that rather than replace the Pro Max handsets, Apple will position the foldable as a new tier above it – similar to how the Apple Watch Ultra sits above the standard Watch lineup. That would allow Apple to maintain premium pricing without disrupting existing flagship models.
When will the foldable iPhone Ultra actually go on sale?
The folding iPhone is expected to be announced at Apple’s September event on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, but the phone may not go on sale for some time after that date. Reports suggest the device could go on sale sometime between October and December 2026.
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