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Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Debut as ‘iPhone Ultra,’ Reveals Leaker

Highlights

Apple’s first foldable iPhone may debut under the “iPhone Ultra” branding.
The device is expected to feature a 5.3–5.5 inch outer display, a 7.8 inch inner screen, dual rear cameras and front-facing cameras.
Many leaks point to a September 2026 launch even though recent Nikkei Asia reports suggest delays until 2027 due to engineering challenges.

Previously leaked CAD renders of the foldable iPhone.

Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone could arrive with a completely different name than expected. According to famous Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the company may avoid the widely used “Fold” branding and instead launch its first foldable smartphone as the “iPhone Ultra.” Here’s more on that.

Apple To Call Its First Foldable “iPhone Ultra”

In a recent post on Weibo, the leaker suggested that Apple’s upcoming book-style foldable device could adopt the “Ultra” branding.

Tipster DCS’s post on Weibo. (Translated via Google Translate)

It is important to note that Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple is exploring the Ultra branding for future products. However, it was assumed for an OLED touchscreen MacBook and a new AirPods model equipped with cameras and not particularly for the iPhones.

Apple is not new to “Ultra” branding. The company has already used the “Ultra” label to signify its top-tier products such as the Apple Watch Ultra, CarPlay Ultra and high-end chipsets like the M1 Ultra and M3 Ultra.

MacRumors, in its latest reports, has noted that this naming strategy can also influence domestic Chinese smartphone makers. There are Chinese smartphone makers who are reportedly considering naming their own foldable models “Ultra” as well and they would make these foldables available at a more affordable price point.

Apple’s foldable, on the other hand, is expected to sit firmly in the premium segment with a projected price ranging between $2,000 and $2,500.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone – What We Know So Far?

As per recent leaks and reports, Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to launch later this year. The device is tipped to feature a 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch inner screen. It is also expected to include front-facing cameras usable in both folded and unfolded states alongwith a dual-lens rear camera setup.

Recently released dummy unit images show a foldable Apple device. (Image credit – Sonny Dickson)

Separately, tech reviewer Sonny Dickson shared images on X showcasing dummy units of the foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The images suggest that the foldable device will have a near-square form factor when fully opened.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman further claims that the foldable iPhone is currently on track for a September launch event. It is largely believed that the phone could debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. These devices are expected to go on sale roughly a week after their official unveiling.

However, it is significant to keep in mind that not all reports align with this timeline. A separate report from Nikkei Asia indicates that the foldable iPhone’s launch could be delayed until 2027 due to challenges encountered during the engineering test phase.

In any case, we can expect to have more clarity on the launch date and device name in the coming months.

FAQs

Q1. What will Apple’s first foldable iPhone be called?

Answer. Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone may launch under the “iPhone Ultra” branding, instead of the commonly used “Fold” label, according to leaks from Digital Chat Station and reports from Bloomberg.

Q2. What features are expected in the foldable iPhone?

Answer. Leaks suggest the device will include a 5.3–5.5 inch outer display, a 7.8 inch inner screen, dual rear cameras, and front-facing cameras usable in both folded and unfolded states. Dummy units also indicate a near-square form factor when fully opened.

Q3. When will the foldable iPhone launch, and how much will it cost?

Answer. Reports point to a September 2026 unveiling alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series, with a premium price range of $2,000–$2,500. However, Nikkei Asia notes the launch could be delayed until 2027 due to engineering challenges.