Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is finally expected to become reality in 2026. After years of speculation, leaks suggest Apple could unveil a book-style iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup on September 9, 2026.
The device is reportedly being referred to as the iPhone Ultra internally, although Apple has not confirmed the name.
It Could Look More Like an iPad Mini Than an iPhone
Instead of folding vertically like a traditional flip phone, Apple’s first foldable is expected to open like a book.
Rumors point to a roughly 5.5-inch outer display for use when closed and a much larger 7.8-inch OLED display when opened. The unfolded screen could have an almost tablet-like 4:3 aspect ratio.
That means users could potentially carry a device that works like a normal phone but opens into something approaching an iPad mini in size.
Apple Is Reportedly Obsessed With the Crease
One of the biggest challenges with foldable phones is the visible crease running through the middle of the display.
Reports suggest Apple has been working on a minimal-crease design and a durable hinge. The unfolded phone could reportedly be only around 4.5mm thick, making it thinner than Apple’s current iPhones.
That extremely thin design, however, appears to come with some compromises.
There May Be No Face ID
This could be one of the strangest changes.
Because of the limited space inside the thin foldable, Apple reportedly cannot fit its traditional TrueDepth Face ID system.
Instead, the device could return to Touch ID, with the fingerprint sensor built into the side/power button.
So Apple’s futuristic foldable could actually bring back a technology that disappeared from its flagship iPhones years ago.
The Camera Could Also Take a Step Back
The foldable is reportedly expected to have two rear cameras rather than the three-camera system found on Apple’s Pro models.
Rumors point to Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, with no dedicated Telephoto camera because of the space limitations created by the thin folding design.
That would make the foldable less camera-focused than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
A20 Pro Chip and Huge Battery
Despite the compromises, the performance could be very much in flagship territory.
Reports suggest Apple’s foldable could use the A20 Pro chip, potentially paired with 12GB of RAM. The A20 Pro is expected to be built using a 2nm process and bring improvements in performance and efficiency.
The battery is also rumored to be split between the two halves of the phone, with estimates ranging from approximately 5,400mAh to 5,800mAh.
And Then There Is the Price
This may be the biggest shock.
Rumors currently suggest Apple’s first foldable could start at more than $2,000, with some estimates placing higher-storage versions around $2,500.
That would make it Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever.
Apple may therefore be positioning the device as an ultra-premium product rather than a direct replacement for the regular iPhone.
When Could Apple Reveal It?
Apple has officially scheduled its major September event for September 9, 2026. Current reporting expects the company’s first foldable to appear alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
However, the exact launch timing could still vary. Some reports suggest Apple could announce the phone in September but delay availability because of manufacturing challenges and limited initial production.
The Real Story Behind the “iPhone Fold”
After years of rumors, Apple appears to be getting remarkably close to entering the foldable-phone market.
But none of these specifications, the name “iPhone Ultra,” or the rumored $2,000+ price has been officially confirmed by Apple yet. They are based on leaks and reports ahead of the company’s September 9 event.
If the rumors are accurate, though, Apple’s first foldable won’t simply be another iPhone.
It could be the most radical iPhone Apple has ever made.
