What we think we know about iPhone Ultra
Apple still hasn’t confirmed it has any plans at all to introduce a foldable iPhone but a cacophony of analyst notes, supply-chain reports and leaks suggest it does.
We now think it plans a premium, book-style folding device to debut in September 2026 along with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
Based on recent leaks here’s what we think we know about the product the company has spent over a decade working to get just right:
iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra?
The device is still widely referred to as either iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. While sentiment favors the latter, consensus on the name hasn’t been reached as yet.
What does the device look like?
Recent videos and images purporting to represent the device claim Apple has chosen a distinctive short, wide, book-like aspect ratio. It means that the device looks much like an iPad mini when unfolded, which means apps, videos and other assets will work consistently across all Apple devices, without any awkward letterboxing effects. Several reports suggest Apple may use a side-mounted TouchID sensor rather than FaceID to save internal space, while others claim a revitalized Dynamic Island.
What about the display?
The OLED display (an outer cover and internal folding display) is expected to comprise a 5.5-inch outer screen and a huge 7.8-inch internal folding display with a near-square 4:3 aspect ratio, using tech from Samsung.
What about the hinge?
Making sure the center crease is minimal has been the North Star for Apple’s product development teams. Some reports claim the company has used specialized multi-layer displays and advanced adhesives to achieve this, with Liquid Metal providing the strong and flexible foundation. Apple has spent over a decade refining this technology.
One beneficiary of this work may be Nippon Electric Glass, who also make glass for devices from Xiaomi and Honor.Nikkei reports Nippon Electric Glass has developed a flexible glass substrate Apple will use as part of the hinge mechanism in the device. Apple may use a titanium/aluminium or titanium/stainless-steel frame, with a premium hinge design aimed at reducing the visible crease.
Introducing Apple’s A20 chip
The iPhone Ultra is expected to use a A20 Apple processor built on TSMC’s 2nm process. This will make it 15% faster and 30% more energy efficient than the A19. To help it power those displays, it will feature 12GB of RAM, but the thin dimensions and foldable design also mean..
It may use a vapour cooling system
The device is expected to feature a vapour cooling chamber like the iPhone 17 Pro. That’s highly logical when you consider the added energy required to power the display, which will require a highly efficient cooling system within the space constraints of the foldable device. I’d assume dual cooling may be required for each ‘side’ of the device.
What about the operating system?
Is it an iPhone? Is it an iPad? Speculation has emerged that Apple may optimize a version of iOS for use in the device that provides apps with more usable space and better UI compatibility when working on them in folded and unfolded modes.
What colors?
The iPhone Fold/Ultra could be offered in white and indigo.
How thick will it be?
Analyst Ming Chi-Kuo says the device dimensions will be 9-9.5mm when closed and up to 4.8mm thick when unfolded.
What capacity will it provide?
Weibo leaker Instant Digital shared the potential storage options in March 2026, predicting 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models.
What about the cameras?
Two rear-facing and two front-facing cameras that can be used folded or not. Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station claimed the dual camera rear setup will feature 48MP, like the main cameras on iPhone 17 Pro. JP Morgan claims the outer display will boast a 24MP under-screen camera for use when folded.
What kind of battery life?
The device may have one of the largest batteries ever fitted to an iPhone, though with more actual display to drive I think you’ll only see slightly better usable battery life.
What about the cost?
Mark Gurman has predicted the device could cost over $2,000, while Ming Chi-Kuo has speculated the device could cost up to $2,500. The higher capacity model could cost as much as $3,000.
When is it coming?
The device is expected to be introduced in September, though recent reports of production challenges may mean the product will be in short supply – with some speculation it may not actually ship until December.
You can follow me on social media! Join me on BlueSky, LinkedIn, Mastodon, and follow The Core.
