Apple Rumored to Debut Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' in 2026
Reports suggest a passport-style folio design and a September 9 reveal during a 'Surprise and Shine' event.
Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with a new device dubbed the iPhone Ultra. The move would represent the company's first major departure from the traditional slab form factor in years, signaling a strategic shift toward ultra-premium, high-margin hardware.
According to reports, the iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a squat folio design that opens like a passport to reveal a large internal screen. Technical specifications suggest a dual-display setup, consisting of a 5.5-inch cover display and a larger inner display measuring between 7.7 and 8 inches. Notably, the device is expected to pivot away from Face ID, instead utilizing Touch ID integrated into the top button for user authentication.
The Path to Foldables
Apple has reportedly spent several years developing proprietary folding technology. This cautious approach is intended to avoid the fragility and software instability that plagued early foldable devices from other manufacturers. While the 'Ultra' branding was previously associated with high-end Pro Max variants, it is now being linked to this foldable category to position the device as the most premium offering in the Apple ecosystem.
Market Implications
Launching a foldable iPhone would place Apple in direct competition with Samsung's Z Fold series. Beyond the hardware itself, the iPhone Ultra will serve as a critical test of Apple's ability to adapt iOS—traditionally designed for static screen dimensions—to a variable, folding interface. This transition requires a fundamental rethink of how applications scale and behave when the screen state changes.
What to Watch
Industry sources indicate the device is rumored to be revealed during a 'Surprise and Shine' event on September 9, 2026, potentially launching alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series. While the form factor and authentication methods have gained traction among leakers, other details remain speculative. Specifically, pricing for the device has not been confirmed, as analyst projections continue to vary significantly across the industry.