"iPhone Ultra" – Everything We Know About Apple's First Foldable Phone

Apple is preparing to unveil its first foldable iPhone, which leaks suggest may be named the “iPhone Ultra” or “iPhone Fold,” during the company’s anticipated event on September 9, 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The device is among Apple’s most anticipated products, especially after the company spent years observing competitors in the foldable smartphone market before officially entering the fray.

Apple has confirmed its September 9 event under the theme “Surprise and Shine,” fueling speculation that the foldable phone will be the event’s surprise reveal, according to a report published by Digital Trends and reviewed by Arabi Business.

Reports indicate that Apple may announce the phone in September, but its market launch could be delayed until December, with a potential initial rollout in the United States. As for pricing, the device is expected to start between $2,000 and $2,500, with higher-end variants reaching around $3,000. Recent estimates suggest Apple has raised its production target for the phone to approximately 10 million units.

The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a horizontal design similar to book-style foldable phones, but it will be wider than most competing devices, resembling an iPad Mini when unfolded. Leaks point to an external OLED display of about 5.5 inches and an internal OLED screen of 7.8 inches, with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz for the inner display. Apple is working to minimize creasing in the center of the screen using advanced glass and hinge technologies, with the latest leaks suggesting the possibility of a nearly wrinkle-free design.

The phone may be powered by the A20 or A20 Pro processor, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process, paired with 12 GB of RAM and storage options starting at 256 GB and going up to 1 TB. It will run iOS 27, with an optimized version to leverage the large screen, including multitasking features and side-by-side app execution. The device is also expected to feature a fingerprint sensor instead of Face ID, along with Apple’s C2 modem, and may rely solely on an eSIM to save internal space.

The iPhone Fold may come with two 48-megapixel rear cameras—one primary and one ultra-wide—without a dedicated telephoto lens as seen in Pro models. Some reports suggest the possible absence of a depth sensor and optical image stabilization, concessions that could spark debate given the phone’s expected high price.

Regarding battery life, earlier leaks indicated a capacity ranging from 5,000 to 5,500 mAh, while a more recent leak revealed a dual-cell battery with a total capacity of approximately 4,883 mAh.

The iPhone Fold appears to be one of Apple’s most ambitious products, but it may also come with certain compromises, particularly concerning cameras and pricing. If Apple succeeds in delivering a slim, durable device with a nearly wrinkle-free inner screen, it could trigger a new shift in the foldable smartphone market. However, the expected price exceeding $2,000 will likely position the phone more as a luxury item than a mass-market option.

With Apple’s event date set for September 9, 2026, only a few days remain to see whether the iPhone Fold will indeed become one of Apple’s biggest surprises this year.