Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Debut Alongside iPhone 18 Pro
Apple is rumored to be making its first iPhone that folds open like a book.
It may be shown at an Apple event on September 9 with new iPhone Pro models.
The phone could have a smaller screen outside and a much bigger screen inside.
Its inside screen may work more like a small tablet, with apps side by side and content dragged between them.
Apple is reportedly trying to make the phone thin and durable.
A special hinge and new screen materials may make the fold line less noticeable, though it might not disappear completely.
The phone may use two rear cameras and a fingerprint sensor instead of Face ID.
It could cost more than $2,000, and Apple has not confirmed the phone, its name, specifications, or release date.
Apple’s rumored book-style foldable iPhone may appear September 9 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Reports differ on whether sales will begin immediately or be delayed because of manufacturing and supply-chain challenges.
The device could feature a 5.5-inch outer screen, a 7.8-inch inner OLED display, and a roughly 4:3 aspect ratio.
Rumored features include a 4.5mm unfolded profile, liquid-metal hinge, MagSafe, dual 48-megapixel cameras, and Touch ID.
The foldable may cost more than $2,000, potentially making it Apple’s most expensive and least mainstream iPhone.
- Who
- Apple and its rumored first foldable iPhone, expected to appear alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- What
- A book-style foldable iPhone, possibly called the iPhone Ultra, with a 5.5-inch outer display and 7.8-inch inner OLED screen.
- When
- The device is expected to be unveiled on September 9; reports variously predict same-day availability, a launch within a few weeks, or an October release.
- Where
- At Apple’s annual fall event; the event location is not specified.
- Why
- Apple is reportedly entering the foldable-phone market with a tablet-like inner display, thin construction, improved durability, and software adapted to folding screens.
Earlier Launch Reports
Cautious Launch Reports
Retail timing
Earlier Launch Reports
Some reports expect the foldable to go on sale with the iPhone 18 Pro models, while Mark Gurman expects a launch at the same time or within a few weeks.
Cautious Launch Reports
Other reports cite manufacturing and supply-chain problems and suggest availability could slip into October; some earlier speculation extended the delay to late October or November.
Crease reduction
Earlier Launch Reports
Ultra-thin glass, a specially engineered display, and a liquid-metal hinge could make the crease far less noticeable or nearly invisible.
Cautious Launch Reports
The screen may still show a crease comparable to, or only somewhat less noticeable than, those on Samsung’s latest foldables.
Market prospects
Earlier Launch Reports
A tablet-sized display, thin body, improved durability, MagSafe, and specialized software could make the device attractive to buyers.
Cautious Launch Reports
A starting price above $2,000, along with camera and Face ID compromises, could limit the foldable to a niche audience.
- Expected announcement
- September 9, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Possible name
- iPhone Ultra, although Apple has not confirmed the name
- Displays
- Approximately 5.5 inches closed and 7.8 inches open, with a reported 4:3 inner-screen aspect ratio
- Thickness
- About 4.5mm when fully unfolded, according to leaks
- Design and durability
- A book-style fold, titanium-and-aluminium frame, liquid-metal hinge, and ultra-thin glass are reportedly under consideration
- Cameras and authentication
- Two reported 48-megapixel rear cameras; Touch ID may be built into the power button instead of using Face ID
- Software and accessories
- iOS 27 may support iPad-style layouts, side-by-side apps, and drag-and-drop actions; MagSafe is reportedly included
- Potential price
- More than $2,000, which could make it Apple’s most expensive iPhone
