Apple's first foldable iPhone expected in September 2026
The tech giant is reportedly targeting a 2026 launch for a foldable device as part of the iPhone 18 series, potentially using 'Ultra' branding.
Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first collapsible device expected to launch in September 2026. The move would mark the company's most significant hardware pivot in years, potentially redefining the premium smartphone segment.
According to reports from MacRumors, the foldable device is rumored to be part of the iPhone 18 series. While "iPhone Fold" has served as a common placeholder name among analysts, new speculation suggests Apple may instead adopt "iPhone Ultra" branding. This naming convention would align the device with Apple's existing high-end product tiers, such as the Apple Watch Ultra, signaling a new luxury category of handheld hardware.
The road to a foldable iPhone
Apple has been linked to foldable technology for over a decade, though it has remained cautious while competitors like Samsung, Google, and Motorola established their presence in the market. This slower rollout is reportedly due to Apple's internal focus on perfecting the hinge mechanism and solving the persistent "crease" issue that plagues many current foldable displays. To find the ideal form factor, Apple has explored both clamshell designs featuring a vertical fold and book-style designs with a horizontal fold.
Redefining the premium tier
The introduction of a foldable iPhone would create a new "Ultra" tier that bridges the functional gap between the standard iPhone and the iPad. By merging the portability of a phone with the screen real estate of a tablet, Apple could capture a new segment of power users and professionals. This shift would likely move the company away from its traditional iterative update cycle toward a more disruptive hardware strategy, forcing the rest of the industry to react to Apple's specific interpretation of the foldable experience.
What remains to be seen
While the September 2026 timeline is widely cited, several key details remain unconfirmed. The final design—whether it will be a compact flip or a larger unfolding tablet—has not been settled. Additionally, Apple has not officially confirmed the cost or the specific feature set of the device. Observers will be watching for further leaks regarding the iPhone 18 lineup to see if the "Ultra" branding becomes the official standard for the foldable series.