Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Ultra Expected in September 2026: Here’s What To Expect
The highly anticipated iPhone Ultra (Fold) is rumoured for a September 2026 announcement alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Leaks suggest a creaseless 7.8-inch inner OLED display, Apple's A20 Pro chip, and Touch ID authentication. Expected to start over USD 2,000 in the US and approximately INR 2 Lakh in India (based on US pricing), this foldable flagship.
The tech world is abuzz with fresh leaks and analyst reports pointing towards a September 2026 announcement for Apple's first-ever foldable smartphone, potentially named the 'iPhone Ultra'. This groundbreaking device, which many have been calling the 'iPhone Fold', is expected to arrive alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, marking a significant entry into the nascent foldable market. While a September announcement is widely anticipated, some reports suggest a staggered release, with the device potentially shipping later due to manufacturing complexities.
While Apple has maintained its characteristic silence, recent developments, including references to foldable devices within the iOS 27 developer beta code, lend considerable weight to these speculations. Reports also indicate that component deliveries for the foldable device have recently begun in small batches, and while mass production was reportedly pushed back to August, Apple is still pushing for an on-schedule unveiling, though initial supply may be limited.
Design and Display: A Creaseless Revolution
The iPhone Ultra is rumoured to adopt a book-style inward-folding design, appearing wider and more compact when closed, resembling a passport. A major highlight of the device is its reported 'creaseless' display, a feature Apple has reportedly pursued "regardless of cost" by developing a "new material property" to eliminate the visible crease that plagues many existing foldables. iPhone 18 Pro: Expected India Price, 2nm A20 Pro Chip, Dark Cherry Colour and Launch Details.
Expected display specifications include an outer OLED screen measuring approximately 5.5 inches, with an inner, unfolded OLED display of around 7.8 inches. The unfolded aspect ratio is said to be close to 4:3, offering an iPad mini-like viewing experience. The device is also expected to be remarkably thin, around 4.5mm when unfolded.
Further innovations include a patented self-healing display, which could use a special elastomer layer to fill in small scratches automatically. The hinge mechanism itself is rumoured to utilise a robust 'Liquid Metal' (amorphous metallic glass), known for its exceptional strength and durability, rated for hundreds of thousands of folds. iPhone 18 Pro: Expected India Price, Launch Date, Specifications and Features Ahead of Apple’s September 2026 Event.
Performance and Features: A Shift in Authentication
Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra is anticipated to be powered by Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip, likely manufactured on an advanced 2-nanometer process. This chip is also expected to incorporate Wafer-level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology for enhanced efficiency and performance. It is also expected to feature 12GB of RAM.
One of the most significant rumoured changes is the switch from Face ID to Touch ID for authentication, with the sensor integrated into the power button, similar to recent iPad Air models. This is reportedly due to the device's extreme thinness, which leaves no room for the complex TrueDepth camera system required for Face ID.
Key Rumoured Specifications:
| Feature | Specification (Rumoured) |
|---|---|
| Model Name | iPhone Ultra (also iPhone Fold) |
| Announcement Window | September 2026 (alongside iPhone 18 Pro) |
| Inner Display | ~7.8-inch OLED, Creaseless |
| Outer Display | ~5.5-inch OLED |
| Chipset | Apple A20 Pro (2nm process) |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Battery | ~5,000mAh – 5,500mAh range |
| Authentication | Touch ID (power button) – No Face ID |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 48MP Main + 48MP Ultra Wide (No Telephoto) |
| Front Cameras | Two (one for each display, likely a 24MP under-display camera for the inner screen) |
| Hinge | Liquid Metal, rated for hundreds of thousands of folds |
| Special Features | Patented self-healing display technology, eSIM-only, iOS 27 optimizations |
Pricing and Availability: A Premium Device
The iPhone Ultra is expected to be Apple's most expensive iPhone to date. Rumours suggest a starting price of over USD 2,000 in the U.S., with higher storage variants potentially pushing prices to as high as USD 2,500-USD 3,000.
For the Indian market, the expected price is approximately INR 2 lakh based on current US pricing conversions and Apple's premium positioning. It is also widely rumoured that the device will be eSIM-only, meaning no physical SIM slot, a potential consideration for users in India where physical dual SIM usage is prevalent.
As the tech world eagerly awaits official confirmation, the 'iPhone Ultra' promises to be a game-changer, albeit one that comes with a premium price tag and some notable design compromises aimed at achieving an unprecedented form factor. While an announcement is expected in September 2026, actual availability may vary.
Disclaimer: AI tools assisted in compiling the foundational data and research for this report. The final content was reviewed, edited and verified by human editors at LatestLY.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2026 11:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
