Speculation about a foldable iPhone has persisted for years, with expectations shifting from an early‑2020 release to a projected launch in 2026. The latest indications suggest Apple is preparing to introduce a new form factor that combines smartphone and tablet capabilities.
Clues from the iOS 27 beta build include references to multiple “batteries” and variables named “foldState” and “angleDegrees,” implying software support for a device that can fold and detect its angle.
The forthcoming device is expected to debut in September 2026 under the tentative name “iPhone Ultra.” Initial production may be limited, aligning its release with the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Design sketches point to a book‑style hinge that opens to a landscape display comparable in size to an iPad mini. When closed, the device will present a smaller outer screen for basic functions.
The inner display is rumored to measure between 7.7 and 7.8 inches, while the external panel will be roughly 5.3 to 5.5 inches. Both screens are expected to use a 4:3 aspect ratio, favoring productivity and media consumption.
Camera hardware is likely to consist of four lenses—two 48 MP rear sensors covering wide and ultra‑wide fields, plus two front‑facing cameras for use when the device is folded or unfolded. A dedicated telephoto lens appears to be omitted due to space constraints.
Several compromises accompany the foldable design. The hinge mechanism necessitates a segmented chassis rather than a traditional unibody, and the absence of a glass back could limit MagSafe‑compatible wireless charging. The device will run a customized version of iOS rather than iPadOS.
Face ID is expected to be replaced by Touch ID integrated into the side power button, reflecting the thin profile required for a foldable form factor.
Engineering efforts focus on minimizing the visible crease at the hinge. Materials under consideration include titanium alloy for structural strength and liquid‑metal composites to enhance durability and screen flatness.
Advanced display construction may feature variable‑thickness glass at the fold line, an optically clear adhesive to reduce strain, and internal metal support plates to maintain a flat surface when opened.
Thickness estimates suggest the device will be about 9.5 mm when folded and roughly 4.5 mm when opened, positioning it among the slimmest foldables currently envisioned.
Battery capacity is projected at 5,000–5,500 mAh, with software hints that the phone could house two separate cells—one in each half of the chassis—to accommodate the folding architecture.
Performance specifications are anticipated to include an A20‑class processor, 12 GB of RAM, and Apple’s next‑generation C2 cellular modem paired with Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pricing is expected to start near $2,000, potentially reaching $2,400 for higher‑capacity models, reflecting the premium materials and engineering challenges involved.
The iPhone Ultra is likely to sit above the existing Pro Max line, offering a distinct tier rather than replacing current flagship models.
Apple’s delayed entry into the foldable market aligns with its historical approach of waiting for core technologies—such as durable flexible displays and reliable hinges—to mature before launching a consumer‑ready product.
