The highly anticipated device will be announced at the company's Surprise and Shine event, with a price tag exceeding $2,000
Category: Science
Apple is gearing up for a major announcement at its upcoming "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9, 2026, where the tech giant is expected to reveal its first-ever foldable smartphone, dubbed the iPhone Ultra. This innovative device, which has been years in the making, is likely to shake up the foldable phone market, currently dominated by Samsung and Huawei.
CEO Tim Cook has been pushing for Apple to enter the foldable market since around 2020, after witnessing the growing popularity of these devices in Asia. His vision for a foldable iPhone has finally come to fruition, and the excitement surrounding its announcement is already overshadowing the launch of the traditional iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.
The September 9 event will mark a historic moment for Apple, as it is the launch of the iPhone Ultra and the first major event since Cook officially handed over the reins to new CEO John Ternus. The iPhone Ultra is expected to be a book-style foldable device, featuring a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded and a smaller 5.5-inch cover display. Design leaks suggest a wider, squatter look, reminiscent of the original Google Pixel Fold, which could set it apart from taller, thinner models like the Galaxy Z Fold.
In terms of design and functionality, the iPhone Ultra will reportedly utilize a split-battery architecture, with two cells measuring 1,921 mAh and 2,962 mAh, totaling approximately 4,883 mAh. This is less than the battery capacities of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which are expected to be 4,288 mAh and 5,200 mAh, respectively. The choice of a split-battery design allows for a thinner chassis, but it introduces potential issues with heat dissipation and uneven wear, which are common challenges in foldable devices.
Another notable feature is that the iPhone Ultra will likely replace Face ID with Touch ID, as the thin design does not accommodate the TrueDepth camera system required for facial recognition. This decision highlights the compromises Apple is making to fit advanced technology into a compact form factor.
The entry of Apple into the foldable phone market could significantly alter consumer perceptions and sales dynamics. Analysts have predicted that the launch of the iPhone Ultra could lead to a 19% increase in global foldable sales, capturing around 24% of the market share. This potential impact is underscored by a survey indicating that half of American consumers expressed interest in purchasing a foldable phone, a figure that could rise with Apple's brand influence.
Pricing for the iPhone Ultra is expected to start between $2,000 and $2,500, with some analysts speculating that higher storage configurations could push the price even closer to $3,000. This premium pricing strategy reflects Apple's positioning of the device as a high-end offering, similar to its Pro models.
As the event approaches, accessory manufacturers like DBrand, Armor-X, and Gorilla Cases have already begun listing cases for the iPhone Ultra, hinting at the device's design elements, such as its dual-camera array and LED flash position. This early insight into the device's aesthetics has only heightened anticipation among consumers and tech enthusiasts alike.
With the iPhone Ultra, Apple aims to redefine the foldable experience, incorporating its signature design philosophy and user-friendly interface. The device is rumored to measure around 4.5 mm thick when unfolded and 9 to 9.5 mm when folded, making it one of the sleekest foldable options available.
As the launch date nears, the tech community is buzzing with speculation about the official name for the device. Currently, the leading internal name is the iPhone Ultra, but there are other contenders like iPhone Duo and iPhone Folio. Regardless of the final name, the anticipation surrounding this launch is undeniable.
In a market where foldable phones have struggled to gain traction, the iPhone Ultra could be the game-changer that revitalizes consumer interest. As Apple prepares to make its mark in this new category, the tech world will follow closely closely to see how this ambitious project comes to life. The official name and details about the device will be revealed soon, but : the foldable iPhone is set to become a major player in the smartphone arena.