Apple’s first foldable iPhone, unofficially dubbed the iPhone Ultra, is shaping up to be a pricey, thick device with a battery that outperforms current foldables-and it might launch as soon as 2026. Rumors based on analyst reports, supply chain leaks, and iOS 27 beta code suggest the Ultra will target users looking for a phone closer in size and usage to an iPad mini than to any standard iPhone.
Unlike Samsung, Google, Honor, and Huawei-who’ve been experimenting with foldables for years-Apple is entering a crowded field late. But its advantage lies in delivering polished software, an unmatched retail ecosystem, and mass-market volume rather than niche appeal. Foldables haven’t caught on broadly: Counterpoint Research estimates the global foldable smartphone market will grow only marginally in 2024, and either stagnate or shrink in 2025. What the category needs is a player that shows customers why folding phones matter, not just another Fold clone.
Rumored iPhone Ultra foldable specifications
- Internal flexible display around 7.8 inches
- External screen about 5.5 inches
- Thickness: 4.5-4.8 mm when unfolded
- Thickness: 9-9.5 mm when folded
- Dual rear cameras: wide and ultra-wide lenses
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor embedded in a button, replacing Face ID
Abandoning Face ID would be a major departure for Apple. The infrared system requires space and adds thickness, making it tricky to incorporate in a foldable device where every millimeter counts against the battery, hinge, and screen. Swapping in Touch ID feels like a pragmatic trade-off-it’s less flashy but better suited to the compact form factor.
Foldable-specific software features in iOS 27
What could make the iPhone Ultra stand apart is its software. iOS 27 beta contains hints of fold-specific modes that adapt the UI depending on how the device is opened. Bloomberg reported that Apple is working on a more tablet-like interface for their foldable initiative, including dual-app multitasking, revamped window proportions, and sidebars in native apps. While it’s unlikely that the full iPadOS experience will come to a foldable iPhone, even a scaled-back version of features like Stage Manager in a pocket device would be a noticeable leap forward for iPhone usability.
Battery life aiming higher than Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Battery capacity also stands out: Apple is reportedly testing cells between 5400 and 5800 mAh. For comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a 4400 mAh battery. Hitting the upper range would set a new record for iPhones and make the Ultra one of the rare foldable phones that doesn’t require a charger by nightfall.
Historically, Apple hasn’t always been first to new device categories but has been the one to make them mainstream. The Apple Watch and AirPods are prime examples of niche tech becoming mass-market products thanks to Apple’s design and ecosystem. The foldable could follow the same playbook-if Apple can price it right. Analysts at Counterpoint emphasize that foldables usually cost significantly more than traditional flagship phones, which limits adoption.
The rumored pricing for the iPhone Ultra foldable is as follows:
- Starting price: up to $2,399
This would make the iPhone Ultra one of the most expensive iPhones yet, with a price closer to that of a MacBook Pro than a typical smartphone.
If Apple launches the iPhone Ultra in September 2026 and it reaches stores by year-end, foldables will finally have an entrant with Apple’s scale and polish. The real question won’t be if Apple took the plunge with a foldable design-it’ll be whether consumers are willing to pay top dollar for a device that blurs the line between phone and tablet.