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Apple has spent years watching the foldable smartphone market grow without releasing a foldable iPhone of its own. Companies such as Samsung, Google, Huawei, and others have already introduced different types of foldable phones, but Apple has remained focused on its traditional iPhone design.
That could finally change in September 2026.
Current reports suggest that Apple is preparing to introduce its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The device is widely being referred to as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, although Apple has not officially confirmed its final name. The company is expected to hold its major September event on September 9, 2026.
The rumored device could become one of the most important iPhone launches in years because it would introduce a completely different form factor to Apple’s smartphone lineup.
In this article, I will explain what we currently know about Apple’s first foldable iPhone, including its expected design, displays, cameras, performance, battery, price, software, and possible release date.
Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Arrive in September 2026
The biggest question for many Apple fans has been when the company’s first foldable iPhone will actually arrive.
For a long time, reports suggested that Apple might delay its foldable phone until 2027 or even later. However, recent reports have increasingly pointed toward September 2026.
Apple’s September 2026 event is expected to take place on September 9. Several recent reports suggest that the foldable iPhone could be introduced during the same event as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
There is still an important difference between an announcement and actual availability. Apple could introduce the phone in September and make it available to customers later because foldable phones are considerably more complicated to manufacture than traditional smartphones.
Some reports expect sales to begin around September 18, although the exact retail date has not been officially confirmed by Apple. Other reports have warned that initial supply could be limited.
So, September 2026 currently looks like the most important month for Apple’s foldable iPhone, but buyers should wait for Apple’s official announcement before treating any rumored date as final.
What Will Apple Call Its Foldable iPhone?
The name of Apple’s first foldable phone is still one of the biggest mysteries.
The device is often called the iPhone Fold because it is an easy and logical name for a foldable iPhone. However, recent reports increasingly use the name iPhone Ultra.
The Ultra name would make sense because Apple already uses it for its highest end products. A foldable iPhone is expected to sit above the normal iPhone lineup in both technology and price.
There is also a possibility that Apple could choose an entirely different name.
Until Apple officially announces the product, iPhone Fold and iPhone Ultra should be considered unofficial names rather than confirmed product names.
For this reason, I think it is better to focus on the technology rather than the name. Whatever Apple decides to call it, the important point is that this will reportedly be Apple’s first iPhone that folds.
A Book Style Foldable Design
One of the most interesting things about the rumored Apple foldable iPhone is its expected design.
Instead of folding vertically like a traditional flip phone, Apple is reportedly developing a book style foldable smartphone.
When closed, it would work like a normal smartphone with an external display. When opened, the device would provide a much larger internal screen.
This is similar to the basic concept used by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, although Apple is expected to create its own design rather than simply copying existing foldable phones.
The goal appears to be making the phone useful in two different ways.
When closed, it can be used as a regular smartphone. When opened, it can provide a larger workspace for reading, watching videos, browsing websites, multitasking, and other activities.
Reports suggest that Apple is focusing heavily on making the device thin. This could be one of the biggest differences between Apple’s foldable iPhone and some existing competitors.
Expected 5.5 Inch Outer Display
According to current reports, the outer display could measure approximately 5.5 inches.
This would make the closed device relatively compact compared with a large traditional iPhone.
The outer screen would be used for everyday tasks such as checking messages, browsing social media, making calls, using navigation, taking quick photos, and responding to notifications.
The exact resolution, refresh rate, brightness, and other display specifications have not been officially confirmed.
However, because Apple usually places considerable importance on display quality, it would be reasonable to expect a high quality OLED panel.
The smaller outside screen could also help Apple maintain a practical size when the device is folded.
A Large 7.8 Inch Internal Display
The real attraction of Apple’s foldable iPhone will probably be its internal screen.
Current reports suggest that the unfolded display could measure around 7.8 inches. That would put the device much closer to a small tablet than a traditional smartphone in terms of screen size.
This larger display could make a significant difference when performing tasks that require more space.
For example, users could potentially read documents more comfortably, view spreadsheets, edit photos, watch videos, browse websites, and use two applications side by side.
Apple could also take advantage of iPad style software features to make the large screen more useful.
The internal display is therefore likely to be one of the main selling points of the iPhone Fold.
Apple May Focus Heavily on the Screen Crease
One of the biggest problems with foldable phones has always been the visible crease in the middle of the display.
Most foldable phones have improved considerably over the years, but the folding area can still be visible under certain lighting conditions.
Apple is reportedly working on a design that minimizes this crease.
This could become an important part of Apple’s marketing strategy because the company has a history of entering established product categories after spending years refining the technology.
Reports suggest that Apple wants the foldable iPhone to have a very subtle crease and a durable hinge.
Whether Apple can actually make the crease almost invisible remains something we will only know after the phone is officially shown.
The Foldable iPhone Could Be Extremely Expensive
Price may be the biggest concern for potential buyers.
Current reports suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could start at more than $2,000.
Some estimates place the expected price between $2,000 and $2,500 depending on the configuration and storage capacity.
That would make it considerably more expensive than Apple’s regular iPhone models.
The high price would not be surprising, considering the complexity of producing a foldable OLED display, hinge system, specialized internal components, and a very thin body.
Apple may also position the product as an Ultra level device rather than a normal iPhone.
This means the foldable iPhone may initially target customers who are willing to pay a premium for new technology.
Performance Could Come From Apple’s New Generation Chip
The foldable iPhone is expected to use Apple’s latest generation processor associated with the 2026 iPhone lineup.
Reports have pointed toward an A20 series chip, although the exact configuration remains unconfirmed.
Apple’s processors have traditionally provided strong performance and excellent efficiency, so performance should not be a major concern.
The bigger challenge will be power management.
A foldable phone has two displays, a hinge mechanism, additional sensors, and a larger internal screen. Apple will need to balance performance and battery life carefully.
The company could use its control over both hardware and software to improve efficiency.
This is one area where Apple’s approach could be particularly interesting because iOS can be optimized specifically for the hardware.
Could the Foldable iPhone Have 12GB RAM?
Some reports have suggested that Apple’s foldable iPhone could include around 12GB of RAM.
This would make sense for a premium device that is expected to support more advanced multitasking and artificial intelligence features.
However, RAM specifications should be treated carefully because Apple does not always market memory in the same way Android phone manufacturers do.
More memory could help the device keep multiple applications active while also supporting demanding AI and productivity features.
Still, the final RAM configuration will not be known until Apple officially announces the phone.
Camera System Could Be Different From the Pro iPhone
Apple’s foldable iPhone may not have exactly the same camera system as the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Current reports have suggested a dual rear camera setup, with two 48 megapixel cameras being among the rumored specifications.
Interestingly, some reports suggest that the foldable iPhone may not include a dedicated telephoto camera.
This could be one of the compromises Apple makes to keep the device thin.
Foldable phones have limited internal space because the manufacturer has to fit two halves of the device together with a hinge.
Apple may therefore prioritize camera quality while keeping the camera system physically smaller.
Of course, camera specifications are still based on reports and leaks rather than official Apple information.
Touch ID Could Return
Another interesting rumor is that Apple may use Touch ID on the foldable iPhone.
Face ID has been the main biometric authentication system on recent premium iPhones, but the internal structure of a foldable phone creates different engineering challenges.
Some reports suggest that Apple could place Touch ID in the side button instead of using the traditional Face ID system.
If this happens, it would be a notable change for an expensive iPhone.
However, this is another specification that should not be treated as confirmed until Apple reveals the device.
Software Could Be More Important Than Hardware
In my view, the most interesting part of Apple’s foldable iPhone may not actually be the hardware.
It could be the software.
A foldable phone only becomes truly useful when the operating system understands how to use the different screen sizes.
When the phone is closed, applications need to work naturally on the smaller external display.
When it opens, applications need to adapt to the larger screen without looking stretched or poorly designed.
Apple has reportedly been preparing developers for different screen sizes and aspect ratios. The company could also introduce features designed specifically for multitasking on the larger display.
This could allow users to work with two applications at the same time, use side panels, and take advantage of the larger screen in ways that are not possible on a normal iPhone.
If Apple gets the software experience right, it could become one of the strongest reasons to buy the device.
Apple Could Bring iPad Style Multitasking
The large internal display creates an opportunity for Apple to bring more advanced multitasking to the iPhone.
Imagine opening an email application on one side while keeping a browser open on the other side.
You could potentially watch a video while taking notes or compare two documents without constantly switching between applications.
These features already exist in different forms on tablets and Android foldable phones.
Apple could create its own interpretation of this experience.
The challenge will be making it simple enough for regular iPhone users while still providing enough flexibility for people who want to use the phone as a productivity device.
Battery Life Will Be Important
Battery life could become one of the biggest tests for Apple’s foldable iPhone.
A larger internal display normally requires more power. At the same time, Apple is reportedly aiming for a thin design.
These two goals can be difficult to achieve together.
Apple may use a dual cell battery design or other internal engineering solutions to maximize available space. Some unofficial reports have mentioned battery capacities, but these figures remain unconfirmed.
The final battery life will depend on several factors, including display efficiency, processor efficiency, software optimization, and how users operate the larger screen.
Apple’s control over hardware and software could help it achieve better real world battery performance than raw battery capacity numbers might suggest.
MagSafe Could Be Included
Another feature that may appear on Apple’s foldable iPhone is MagSafe.
Recent reports suggest that Apple could retain MagSafe charging and accessories despite the unusual foldable design.
This would be useful because MagSafe has become an important part of Apple’s accessory ecosystem.
If the foldable iPhone supports MagSafe, users could potentially continue using compatible chargers, stands, wallets, and other accessories.
Again, this remains a reported feature rather than an official confirmation.
Limited Availability Could Be a Problem
The first foldable iPhone may not be available in the same quantities as a normal iPhone.
Foldable phones are more complicated to manufacture, and Apple is reportedly expecting limited initial production.
Some reports have suggested that suppliers may produce several million units during 2026, which would be a small number compared with Apple’s overall iPhone production.
This could create another problem for buyers.
Even if Apple announces the phone in September, some customers may have to wait longer than expected to receive one.
Limited supply could also mean that the device is launched in selected markets first.
Why Apple Waited So Long
Apple’s late entry into the foldable smartphone market is interesting.
Samsung has already gone through several generations of foldable phones, while other manufacturers have also experimented with different designs.
Apple appears to have taken a different approach.
Instead of being one of the first companies to release a foldable phone, Apple seems to have waited until the technology became more mature.
That strategy is very similar to Apple’s history in other categories. The company often enters an existing market after studying the technology and then tries to make the experience simpler and more polished.
The foldable iPhone could therefore represent Apple’s attempt to make foldable smartphones feel more mainstream.
The Biggest Challenge Will Be the Price
Even if Apple creates an excellent foldable phone, the price could limit its popularity.
A starting price above $2,000 is far beyond what many smartphone buyers are willing to spend.
For some people, the extra screen space will not justify the additional cost.
For others, especially technology enthusiasts and professional users, the larger display may be worth paying for.
Apple will have to convince customers that the foldable iPhone is not simply an expensive version of the normal iPhone.
It needs to provide a genuinely different experience.
Could the Foldable iPhone Change the iPhone Lineup?
The introduction of a foldable iPhone could eventually create an entirely new category within Apple’s product lineup.
The normal iPhone would remain the mainstream option.
The Pro models would continue targeting premium smartphone users.
The foldable model could become Apple’s most advanced and expensive smartphone.
Over time, Apple could introduce more affordable versions of the foldable design if demand is strong and manufacturing costs fall.
That is still speculation, but the first generation could provide Apple with valuable information about how customers respond to foldable iPhones.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s first foldable iPhone could become one of the biggest smartphone launches of 2026.
Current reports point toward a book style design, a smaller external display of around 5.5 inches, and a large internal display of approximately 7.8 inches. The phone is also expected to focus heavily on a thin body, a refined hinge, a reduced display crease, and software designed for the larger screen.
The biggest unknowns are still the final product name, exact specifications, price, battery capacity, camera configuration, and availability.
What makes this launch especially interesting is that Apple is entering a market that already has several experienced competitors.
Apple will not be introducing the world’s first foldable smartphone. Instead, it will be trying to convince people that its version is worth the wait and the premium price.
If the September 2026 reports are correct, we may not have to wait much longer to find out.
The September 9 Apple event could finally show us whether the long rumored iPhone Fold, or iPhone Ultra, is real and whether Apple’s approach can take foldable smartphones into the mainstream.
For now, the safest approach is to treat the leaked specifications as expectations rather than confirmed facts. Apple has not officially announced every detail, and some specifications may change before the product reaches customers.
But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Apple’s first foldable iPhone is no longer just a distant rumor. September 2026 could be the month when Apple finally enters the foldable smartphone market.
