Apple has reportedly finalized the design of its first foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Ultra, with a launch expected alongside the iPhone 18 series in 2026. According to industry sources, the Cupertino giant has settled on a clamshell form factor similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, featuring a 6.7-inch main display and a 3.5-inch cover screen.
Design and Display Details
The iPhone Ultra will adopt a foldable OLED panel supplied by Samsung Display, with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels on the main screen. The cover display will support widgets and notifications, allowing quick interactions without unfolding. Apple has reportedly developed a new hinge mechanism using liquid metal to reduce the crease, a common issue with foldables.
The device is expected to be priced at around $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone ever. It will feature a titanium frame and ceramic shield glass on the cover display for durability.
Launch Timeline and Positioning
Apple plans to unveil the iPhone Ultra alongside the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Plus, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. The foldable is positioned as a premium niche product, targeting early adopters and luxury buyers. Analysts predict initial shipments of 10-15 million units in the first year.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, a respected Apple analyst, “The iPhone Ultra represents Apple’s first foray into foldable technology, and the company is taking a cautious approach to ensure quality and user experience.”
Specifications and Features
Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra will be powered by the A18 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB. It will run iOS 20, which includes optimized multitasking features for foldable screens. The camera system is expected to include a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, with a 12-megapixel front camera.
Battery life is estimated at 3,500 mAh, supporting 25W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. The device will also feature Face ID integrated into the top bezel of the main display.
Market Impact
The entry of Apple into the foldable market is expected to boost the segment significantly. Currently, Samsung dominates with over 60% market share, followed by Huawei and Oppo. Apple’s brand loyalty and ecosystem could drive adoption, though high pricing may limit volume. Industry experts believe the iPhone Ultra will set new standards for design and durability in foldables.
