iPhone Ultra: Rumors about Apple's foldable iPhone, pricing, and release date
Rumors about Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, are gaining credibility, with expected launch in September 2026, a price tag between $2,000 and $2,400, a 7.8-inch foldable display, and an ultra-thin design.
After years of speculation about a foldable iPhone, reports are increasingly pointing to Apple launching a device called the iPhone Ultra in 2026. While the company has not officially confirmed anything, multiple sources, including analysts Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, indicate that the announcement could happen in early September 2026, possibly on September 8 or 9. Sales would typically begin one to two weeks after the announcement, but due to the global RAM shortage and the phone's complexity, wider availability might slip to late autumn or even early 2027.
Pricing predictions suggest the iPhone Ultra will not be cheap, likely starting at $2,000, with some estimates reaching $2,399. That would make it more expensive than rivals like the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold ($1,799) and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 ($2,000). Given Apple's typical markups and increased material costs, this pricing seems plausible.
In terms of design, the iPhone Ultra is rumored to be wider than many other foldables, resembling the original Pixel Fold rather than the narrow Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. When opened, it will feature a 7.8-inch flexible main display and a 5.5-inch external screen. The device is expected to be 4.5 to 4.8 mm thick when unfolded and about 9 to 9.5 mm when folded, making it thinner than even the iPhone Air. The camera system will include two rear lenses (wide and ultra-wide), and the phone will use a 3D-printed hinge. Initial durability concerns about the hinge have apparently been resolved during test production.
For the display, Apple has reportedly opted for new technology that reduces the crease without eliminating it entirely. Notably, Face ID will not be included; instead, the iPhone Ultra will rely on Touch ID built into the power button to keep the device thin and maximize screen space.
Software-wise, the iPhone Ultra will run a tweaked version of iOS that offers an iPad-like layout when the main display is open, including side-by-side apps and optimized resolutions. However, it will not support iPadOS, so some multitasking features may be missing.
Regarding the battery, supply chain reports suggest Apple is testing capacities between 5,400 and 5,800 mAh, significantly larger than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's 4,400 mAh and potentially the highest capacity ever in an iPhone. Although Apple is playing catch-up to competitors like Samsung and Google in the foldable market, the iPhone Ultra could finally bring foldable phones to a massive new audience thanks to Apple's strong control over iOS and its ecosystem.
