Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Trail Xiaomi’s 18 Fold
Apple may be making its first folding iPhone, possibly called the iPhone Ultra.
It might use MagSafe magnets for wireless charging.
This would be notable because the phone is expected to be very thin when opened.
Reports say Apple could introduce it alongside the iPhone 18 series on 9 September.
Xiaomi has announced its own Xiaomi 18 Fold in China for 7 September.
That means Xiaomi could present its phone before Apple presents its foldable model.
The iPhone Ultra may have one smaller screen outside and one larger screen inside.
It could cost more than $2,000, and repairs might be expensive because folding screens are complicated.
Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone Ultra may support MagSafe charging despite an estimated 4.5mm unfolded thickness.
The device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 series and new Apple Watch models on 9 September.
Reports suggest a book-style design with a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch inner screen.
The iPhone Ultra could feature two rear cameras, Touch ID, and a price above $2,000.
Xiaomi announced its Xiaomi 18 Fold in China for 7 September, ahead of Apple’s rumored announcement.
- Who
- Apple and Xiaomi are developing or announcing competing foldable smartphones; Mark Gurman reported the MagSafe possibility.
- What
- Apple’s rumored iPhone Ultra may include MagSafe, while Xiaomi announced the Xiaomi 18 Fold.
- When
- Xiaomi’s launch is scheduled for 7 September; Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected alongside the iPhone 18 series on 9 September.
- Where
- Xiaomi’s launch is in China; the location of Apple’s expected announcement is not stated.
- Why
- Apple may be integrating MagSafe while keeping the foldable phone thin, and Xiaomi’s timing could place its device ahead of Apple’s announcement.
Reported Possibilities
Confirmed or Announced Details
MagSafe support
Reported Possibilities
Mark Gurman reportedly said the foldable iPhone is likely to support MagSafe and use Apple’s current magnetic accessories.
Confirmed or Announced Details
MagSafe has not been confirmed because leaked renders and dummy units do not show the familiar magnetic ring.
Market timing
Reported Possibilities
Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to be introduced on 9 September, potentially after Xiaomi’s device is announced.
Confirmed or Announced Details
Xiaomi has announced a 7 September China launch for the Xiaomi 18 Fold, but the article does not establish when either phone will become broadly available.
Foldable-phone costs
Reported Possibilities
The iPhone Ultra could offer a large inner display and premium features, with Apple reportedly targeting a price above $2,000.
Confirmed or Announced Details
The foldable design may make repairs more expensive than repairs for a traditional iPhone, particularly when replacing the inner display.
- Rumored Apple name
- iPhone Ultra
- Estimated thickness
- About 4.5mm when unfolded
- Expected Apple announcement
- 9 September, alongside the iPhone 18 series and new Apple Watch models
- Estimated displays
- About 5.5 inches externally and 7.8 inches internally
- Reported price
- More than $2,000
- Xiaomi model
- Xiaomi 18 Fold, scheduled to launch in China on 7 September