Apple’s first foldable iPhone, possibly called iPhone Ultra, could debut in 2026 with a tablet-sized display, powerful A20 Pro chip, and ultra-premium pricing.
Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its Ultra branding beyond the Apple Watch and M-series chips, with its first foldable iPhone expected to arrive under the name iPhone Ultra. The device is rumored to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September 2026, but it may sit outside the numbered iPhone series as a new ultra-premium category.
If the reports are accurate, the iPhone Ultra could become Apple’s most expensive and most ambitious smartphone yet, combining a foldable design, advanced display technology, and top-tier performance hardware.
iPhone Ultra Expected to Introduce a New Foldable Design
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to use a book-style folding design, similar to a passport, rather than a clamshell layout. When opened, the device may offer a large internal display measuring around 7.7 to 7.8 inches, bringing it close to the size of a small tablet.
On the outside, Apple is rumored to include a 5.3 to 5.5-inch cover display, allowing users to handle calls, messages, apps, and quick tasks without unfolding the device.
One of the biggest design goals appears to be thinness. Reports suggest the iPhone Ultra could measure roughly 4.5mm to 4.8mm when unfolded and around 9.2mm to 11mm when folded. Apple is also said to be working on an advanced hinge system, possibly using premium materials such as titanium alloy or LiquidMetal, to reduce the visible crease on the main display.
High-End Specs Could Place It Above the Pro Max
The iPhone Ultra is expected to sit above the iPhone Pro Max models in Apple’s lineup. To support that positioning, the device is rumored to include powerful internal hardware, including a next-generation A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometer process.
Other expected specifications include 12GB of RAM, Apple’s in-house C2 cellular modem, and what may be the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, possibly ranging from 5,000mAh to 5,800mAh.
However, Apple may make one major biometric change. Instead of Face ID, the foldable iPhone could use Touch ID built into the side button, likely due to the thin folding panels and limited space for Face ID components.
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Camera System May Be Powerful but More Limited
The iPhone Ultra is expected to include a strong camera setup, but it may not match every feature of the highest-end Pro Max model. Current rumors point to a dual rear camera system, likely including a 48MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide camera.
A dedicated telephoto lens may be left out because of space limitations inside the foldable design. This would be a notable difference from Apple’s Pro models, which usually focus heavily on zoom and advanced camera hardware.
The device may also include two front-facing cameras: one for the outer cover display and another for the larger internal screen. The inner camera could potentially use an under-display design, helping keep the folding screen more immersive.
Apple May Also Launch a MacBook Ultra
The Ultra branding may not stop with the iPhone. Apple is also rumored to be preparing a MacBook Ultra, a new high-end laptop expected to sit above the MacBook Pro.
This device is said to feature an OLED display and a touchscreen, marking a major shift for Apple’s Mac lineup. It would reportedly carry a significantly higher price than current MacBook Pro models and may launch in late 2026 or early 2027.
The delay is believed to be linked to supply chain challenges, including memory shortages. Still, the product could represent Apple’s attempt to create a new premium tier across multiple categories.
Price and Launch Timeline
The iPhone Ultra is expected to be Apple’s most expensive iPhone to date. Early estimates suggest a starting price of around $1,999 to $2,000, with higher storage models potentially reaching $2,399 or more.
Apple is reportedly aiming to announce the device during its September 2026 iPhone event, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. However, availability may be limited at launch, and shipping could begin a few weeks later due to production challenges.
If Apple moves forward with the iPhone Ultra name, it would signal a broader strategy to use Ultra as a premium label across its product ecosystem. With the Apple Watch Ultra already established, and possible future products such as MacBook Ultra, AirPods Ultra, or even iPad Ultra, Apple may be building a new top-tier identity for its most advanced devices.
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