iPhone Ultra: Everything We Know About Apple’s First Foldable iPhone

iPhone Ultra (FOLD)

Apple is finally preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market, and if recent leaks are accurate, it plans to do so in a big way. After years of speculation, the company's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch this fall under a brand-new name: iPhone Ultra.

Rather than simply copying existing foldable phones, Apple is reportedly taking a different approach with an entirely new form factor, premium materials, exclusive software features, and next-generation hardware. From a nearly crease-free display to iPad-style multitasking, the iPhone Ultra could become Apple's most ambitious smartphone yet.

Here's everything we know so far.

A Completely New Foldable Design

The iPhone Ultra is expected to introduce Apple's first book-style foldable design. Unlike most foldable smartphones currently available, Apple's device is rumored to be wider rather than taller when unfolded.

When closed, the outer display is expected to offer the feel of a compact iPhone with a wider aspect ratio for comfortable everyday use. Unfolding the device reveals a much larger display that closely resembles an iPad mini, giving users significantly more screen space for productivity, entertainment, gaming, and multitasking.

Perhaps the biggest highlight is Apple's reported effort to eliminate one of the biggest drawbacks of foldable devices a visible display crease. Multiple reports suggest Apple has developed a hinge and display system that dramatically reduces, or potentially eliminates, the crease altogether, creating a much more seamless viewing experience.

Premium Build Inspired by the iPhone Air

Apple is also expected to borrow several design elements from the ultra-thin iPhone Air. According to current rumors, the iPhone Ultra will feature a lightweight titanium frame while maintaining an exceptionally slim profile.

When unfolded, the device is expected to be remarkably thin. Folded shut, it could resemble two ultra-thin iPhones stacked together while still remaining slimmer than many competing foldable phones.

The rumored display sizes include:

• Outer Display: 5.3–5.5 inches
• Inner Display: 7.6–7.8 inches

These dimensions could allow the iPhone Ultra to effectively function as both a smartphone and a compact tablet.

Dual Displays with a Practical Camera System

The iPhone Ultra is rumored to feature two rear cameras:

• 48MP Main Camera
• 48MP Ultra Wide Camera

Unlike Apple's Pro models, however, the foldable Ultra is expected to skip the dedicated telephoto camera. While users may lose some optical zoom capability, Apple appears to be prioritizing a thinner design over additional camera hardware.

Since the device includes two displays, Apple is also expected to equip it with two front-facing cameras one positioned on the outer display and another inside for use while the phone is unfolded.

Current reports suggest Apple could reuse the 18MP Center Stage camera introduced with the iPhone 17 series, likely housed inside a modern hole-punch cutout.

Exclusive iOS 27 Features

Apple isn't expected to rely solely on new hardware. The company is also preparing software features designed specifically for the foldable experience.

According to reports, iOS 27 will introduce several iPhone Ultra-exclusive capabilities, including:

• Side-by-side multitasking
• iPad-style app layouts
• Better landscape app support
• Improved productivity features for the larger display

Apple has already begun expanding landscape functionality across several native apps, suggesting that foldable devices have influenced the company's software roadmap.

Powered by Apple's Next-Generation A20 Pro Chip

Performance is expected to be another major selling point.

The iPhone Ultra will reportedly debut with Apple's new A20 Pro processor, built using an advanced 2-nanometer manufacturing process. This next-generation chip is expected to deliver significant improvements in both performance and power efficiency.

Reports also suggest Apple will use Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging technology, allowing better communication between components while improving thermal efficiency.

The device is also expected to feature:

• 12GB RAM
• Faster LPDDR5 memory
• Apple's new C2 cellular modem

The C2 modem represents another step toward Apple's long-term goal of replacing Qualcomm's 5G hardware with its own in-house solution, potentially offering better efficiency and improved connectivity.

Touch ID Makes an Unexpected Return

One of the biggest surprises surrounding the iPhone Ultra is Apple's reported decision to replace Face ID with Touch ID.

Instead of facial recognition, the company is expected to integrate a fingerprint sensor into the power button, similar to the implementation found on the iPad Air and iPad mini.

The reason appears to be the device's ultra-thin design. Reports indicate Apple has been unable to fit Face ID hardware into both displays without compromising the overall thickness of the phone.

Although Face ID may return in future generations, Touch ID is currently considered the more practical solution for Apple's first foldable iPhone.

Expected Price

Premium innovation comes at a premium price.

Most industry analysts expect the iPhone Ultra to start at approximately $1,999 for the base 256GB storage variant, making it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever released.

While the pricing places it firmly in the ultra-premium segment, Apple appears to be positioning the device as two products in one—a flagship iPhone and a compact iPad combined into a single foldable device.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone Ultra is shaping up to be one of Apple's most significant hardware launches in years. With a completely new foldable design, an almost crease-free display, premium titanium construction, powerful A20 Pro processor, exclusive iOS 27 features, and a large tablet-like inner display, Apple seems determined to redefine what an iPhone can be.

Although many details remain based on leaks and rumors, the iPhone Ultra has the potential to become one of the most exciting smartphone launches of the decade if Apple delivers on these expectations.