Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable smartphone, widely rumored to be called the “iPhone Ultra,” at the company’s annual fall keynote on September 9. This device, which has reportedly been in development for years, will mark the tech giant’s first entry into the foldable hardware segment. The launch will be the first under Apple Inc.’s new CEO, John Ternus. Industry experts view this move as a significant catalyst for a product category that Samsung Electronics Co. first introduced seven years ago.
iPhone Ultra: Apple’s Foldable Future
Designer Gunhoo Lee and A20 chip specifications
Design and Technical Specifications
The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a “passport-style” book-fold design that functions as a traditional smartphone when closed and opens outward to reveal a large internal display. While reports vary slightly, the inner screen is described as being 7.8 inches, offering an experience similar to an iPad mini. Designer Gunhoo Lee has created concept visualizations of the device, which align with months of corroborated rumors. These specifications include a mechanical hinge, a dual battery system, and the A20 chip.
Touch ID authentication
The hardware is expected to utilize Touch ID authentication rather than Face ID.
Mark Gurman reports on tester feedback
Tester Feedback and Performance
Bloomberg’s Apple insider Mark Gurman has spoken with individuals who have used the device. According to Gurman, testers praised the advanced hinge mechanism for its feel and durability, and the iPad-like app layouts that utilize the larger internal display. Testers reportedly found the device to be impressively pocket-sized and noted that it excels as a camera viewfinder. However, the device is expected to lack a telephoto camera, a limitation that, alongside its high cost, may deter some early adopters.
International Data Corporation projects 10 million shipments
Market Positioning and Pricing
The iPhone Ultra is positioned as an ultra-premium device targeting an elite consumer segment, with an estimated high retail price. Despite this high price point, analysts anticipate strong demand. Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC, stated that she expects the passport-style Apple foldable to be a major success despite its high price. She further noted that the product targets a very elite set of consumers who will be lining up to purchase the device.
Market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) projects that the device will deliver over 10 million shipments within its first year, potentially rescuing the foldable category from an impending downturn. Industry sources cited by DigiTimes suggest that Apple’s entry will help drive a 20% growth in global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026 compared to the previous year. Analysts further project that Apple could secure a 40% market share in the foldable segment by 2027.
As the September launch approaches, the iPhone Ultra is expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. While the broader smartphone market contends with tighter supplies of upstream components, the anticipation surrounding Apple’s foldable debut remains high, with Apple stock rising nearly 1% on Wednesday.