Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone—reportedly called the iPhone Ultra—on September 9, the same date the iPhone 18 Pro models are set to debut. Rumors continue to crystalize as the event draws near, offering a clearer picture of what this ambitious device might bring. Below is a breakdown of the current predictions for design, hardware, and launch details.
Design & Display
The foldable iPhone Ultra is rumored to be impressively thin—approximately 4.5 mm—when folded, which has reportedly forced Apple to drop Face ID due to space constraints. But users will still get secure unlocking via Touch ID, likely through a side button. Physical volume buttons will be situated at the top of the device. Despite earlier speculation that the folding mechanism might eliminate visible creases, Apple seems unlikely to achieve that feat; instead, the fold line is expected to be minimal but still present.
Features, Cameras & Software Experience
MagSafe charging support is believed to be included, aligning the Ultra with Apple’s wireless charging ecosystem. On the photography front, the device is expected to include two rear cameras: a Wide lens and an Ultra Wide lens—no major changes there. As for software, the Ultra is tipped to ship with iOS 27, which is said to feature enhanced app resizability, flexible layouts, side-by-side multitasking, and sidebar support to make the most of the foldable form factor.
Internal Hardware & Specs
The chip inside the Ultra will likely be Apple’s A20 Pro, matching the iPhone 18 Pro. Early reports suggested Apple might build its own C2 modem, possibly replacing Qualcomm’s, but the latest info points to continued use of Qualcomm modems, especially in the U.S.—depending on whether the C2 supports mmWave 5G. Color options so far include white or silver and a dark blue hue. An Apple Pencil was apparently tested with the Ultra during development, though it likely won’t be part of the initial product launch.
Launch Timing, Price & Availability
The Ultra is expected to be introduced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9. Some sources suggest production delays could impact availability, with supply potentially constrained and long wait times for customers who don’t preorder early. In terms of pricing, estimates place the Ultra north of $2,000—possibly up to $2,500, depending on storage configurations.
As one of Apple’s biggest bets yet, the iPhone Ultra will test how well a foldable design can meet expectations for build quality, usability, and premium pricing. If the upload meets the leaks, we’re looking at not just a new device, but a signal of Apple fully embracing a second smartphone form factor. What to watch: whether the C2 modem delivers on speed, how resilient the fold and hinge are (especially around that crease), and how the market responds to its lofty price and thin design—all make-or-break in this launch.
