The hypothetical iPhone Ultra foldable It's going from being a simple rumor to a fairly well-defined project in the leaksAfter years of seeing foldable phones from brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Honor, everything indicates that Apple already has its own bet underway, with a model that would reach the highest end of the catalog and completely change the way we understand the iPhone.
There is no official confirmation yet, but various sources agree that this first foldable iPhone It would share the stage with the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, have a price clearly above traditional models, and opt for a compact book-like format, designed both for the pocket and to partially replace a small tablet.
Name and positioning of the foldable iPhone Ultra
One of the biggest questions remains: what exactly will it be called? For months it has been informally known as iPhone FoldFollowing the industry's usual naming conventions (Fold for book-style foldables and Flip for clamshell-style ones). However, several recent leaks suggest that Apple would prefer to avoid the "Fold" moniker to avoid appearing to copy the competition.
Various leakers, including Chinese sources and analysts specializing in Apple, indicate that the company has opted for the name iphone ultra for this model. It's a name the brand has historically used for especially premium products, and it would fit with the idea of ​​positioning this foldable phone a step above, at least in price and exclusivity, the rest of the iPhones.
This Ultra positioning doesn't mean, however, that it will be superior in absolutely everything. The leaked specifications suggest a very expensive device, with cutting-edge technology in its screen, hinge, and processor, but with some clear compromises in photography and features compared to the iPhone 18 Pro, something that is already generating debate among the most enthusiastic users.
Apple's release date and strategy
Regarding the schedule, the most reliable sources insist that the iPhone Ultra foldable would be presented this very autumnWithin the usual iPhone event. The most frequently mentioned reference is to September, the traditional month for launches of the range.
There are two scenarios on the table. On the one hand, some analysts believe Apple could follow a strategy similar to that of the iPhone X: a joint launch with the Pro models, but sales a few months later to finalize production and gauge demand. On the other hand, voices like Mark Gurman's have gone so far as to claim that the company would try to... presentation and launch were very close, without major delays.
Among the more detailed leaks, there is even talk of a more aggressive shift in dates: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max on sale in September, with the foldable version arriving a little later. Decemberleaving other models like the standard iPhone 18 or a possible revamped iPhone Air for spring of the following year.
Whatever the plan, the underlying message seems clear: Apple wants the iPhone Ultra to arrive as part of the 18 family, not as an isolated experiment. This will allow for shared hardware and software platforms, leverage joint marketing campaigns, and, above all, give the foldable phone a sense of continuity within the ecosystem—key for European users to perceive it as a real option and not just a passing fad.
Format, size and physical design of the foldable iPhone Ultra
Regarding the design, almost all sources agree that this first model will opt for a book-type formatThey've ruled out a clamshell-style foldable phone for now. The idea would be a relatively compact phone when closed, which unfolds into a small tablet, similar to an iPad mini.
The figures being discussed suggest approximately approximate dimensions of 117 mm high When folded, it measures 84,27 mm wide, with a thickness of approximately 11,02 mm excluding the camera module. With the rear lenses included, the thickness increases to around 16,5 mm, while fully unfolded, the body is about 5,2 mm thick, making it one of the thinnest iPhones to date.
This approach fits with the "passport" format concept that has been discussed in several leaks: a device lower and wider It's like a classic iPhone when closed, easy to slip into a pocket and manage with one hand, but capable of offering a much larger viewing area when unfolded. The idea isn't so much to have a large phone that gets even bigger, but a compact phone that transforms into a more comfortable work surface.
The mock-ups and fictional units that have appeared in videos from channels like Unbox Therapy also show details of ergonomics and in-hand experienceHow the weight feels when opening and closing, the hinge's travel, its stability on a table, and the accessibility of the various buttons are all noteworthy. While these prototypes don't represent the final hardware, they help us understand the design direction Apple might be taking.
Foldable screens: sizes, technology and the challenge of folding
The heart of any foldable phone is, naturally, the screen. In the case of the iPhone Ultra, the most consistent leaks point to a LTPO OLED outdoor display 5,49-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a LTPO OLED interior display 7,8 inches, also at 120 Hz. Specifications that would place it squarely in the top range of the flexible display market.
This size of 5,49 inches on the cover and 7,8 inches on the inside reinforces the idea of ​​a more square and compact terminal when closed, close to 4:3 aspect ratios, similar to what has been seen in proposals such as the OPPO Find N2 or some foldable phones from Huawei, and far from the extremely elongated formats of some generations of the Galaxy Z Fold.
The big workhorse remains the famous crease wrinkleNo manufacturer has managed to completely eliminate creasing, and although significant progress has been made, a slight crease always remains in the flex zone. Reports from the supply chain indicate that Apple has decided to tackle this problem "at all costs," investing in a set of specific technologies to minimize creasing as much as possible.
Among these solutions are a reinforced metal plate under the panel, a liquid metal hingeIt features UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) and a screen developed in collaboration with Samsung, with touch sensors integrated directly into the panel itself, without additional layers. This design would reduce the overall thickness and, theoretically, make the folding transition smoother and less noticeable.
Until we see the final product, it will be difficult to assess the extent to which Apple has managed to differentiate itself in this aspect, but it is clear that, if it wants to stand out in a market where foldable phones are no longer a novelty, the quality of the panel and the handling of the fold will be key elements compared to the models from Samsung, Google, Honor or Huawei that are already sold in Spain and the rest of Europe.
Materials, strength and repairability: a key commitment for Europe
Another area where Apple seems to have taken the foldable iPhone Ultra very seriously is the resistance and repairabilityLeaks suggest a clear priority is to manufacture one of the most robust foldable phones on the market, without sacrificing a relatively lightweight and slim design.
The chassis would combine aluminum and titaniumThe first layer is used for the main structure, and the second for areas subjected to greater stress, such as parts of the hinge or the most exposed frames. This approach aligns with the brand's recent experience with models like the iPhone Air, where titanium has allowed for weight reduction while maintaining good rigidity.
The most striking aspect, however, is the issue of repairability. Sources close to the supply chain describe the iPhone Ultra's interior as a design highly modularDesigned to facilitate disassembly and component replacement, Apple has arranged the internal components with a strict logic to reduce cable crossings and pulling, rather than the complex routing of flat cables typically seen in other foldable phones.
One of the most talked-about decisions is the relocation of the volume buttons towards the top edge, combined with a motherboard located on the right side of the device. This allows the cables to be routed upwards without needing to pass through the flexible display area, simplifying disassembly and reducing the risk of damage during repair.
This strategy has a clear European dimension. The European Union has been tightening requirements regarding repairability and access to spare parts for some time, and a product as expensive as this foldable will need to offer clear guarantees that it won't be a nightmare every time a screen or battery needs replacing. For Apple, presenting its first foldable as the easiest to repair in its class It can be a way to differentiate themselves from rivals who have received criticism for precisely the opposite reason.
Physical buttons, biometrics, and changes compared to other iPhones
The leaked mock-ups and fictional units also allow us to glimpse an important part of the experience: the button and sensor layoutHere, the foldable iPhone Ultra would deviate from the classic configuration we know in current models.
To begin with, everything indicates that Apple will give up on Face ID in this device. Maintaining an advanced facial recognition system in a foldable phone with two screens would involve duplicating hardware, something complex in terms of space and cost. Instead, leaks point to a Touch ID integrated into a side button, similar to what is already seen on several iPads.
This fingerprint reader on the frame would allow you to unlock the phone whether you're using the external or internal screen, without needing to duplicate sensors. For many users accustomed to Face ID, this might seem like a step backward, but in the context of a foldable phone, it makes perfect engineering sense.
As for the buttons, the mock-ups show two push buttons on the right side, which would correspond to the power button (with Touch ID) and a dedicated camera buttonand two more at the top for volume. The absence of the action button that Apple introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro and extended to other models is striking: on the foldable Ultra, at least in this first generation, it wouldn't appear.
There is also talk of a device without a physical SIM card slot, following the path of iPhones that already rely solely on eSIM In certain markets, freeing up this internal space would allow for a larger battery or other critical components, something especially valuable in such a thin body. For Europe, where eSIM adoption is increasingly widespread, this decision could create some friction with users accustomed to changing SIM cards, but it's a trend that seems unstoppable in the high-end market.
Processor, memory, and battery of the foldable iPhone Ultra
Internally, the foldable iPhone Ultra would share a platform with the iPhone 18 Pro. That is, it would use the A20 Pro chipManufactured using a 2-nanometer process in collaboration with TSMC and based on WMCM (Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module) technology, which integrates the memory directly into the processor package. Further details about the platform have been revealed in various leaks about the internal system.
On paper, this transition to 2nm and advanced packaging should deliver a performance improvement of around 10-15% compared to the previous generation and an efficiency gain of approximately 30%. Beyond the specific figures, the important thing is that it would allow for a compact foldable device capable of handling multitasking, gaming, and professional applications with ease. a level of fluidity similar to that of non-foldable iPhones.
The leaks suggest a unified memory of at least 12 GBThis aligns with expectations for the iPhone 18 Pro, and storage options range from 256 GB to 1 TB. These configurations are well-suited to a product geared towards users who consume and create a lot of content and may need a device that serves as both their primary phone and a portable "mini tablet."
In terms of energy, the foldable iPhone Ultra would feature what would be the largest battery ever seen in an iPhonewith estimated capacities between 5.400 and 5.800 mAh, with several sources converging around 5.500 mAh. This figure would explain decisions such as the elimination of the physical SIM tray and a highly optimized interior to gain every possible millimeter.
The combination of a more efficient 2nm process, adaptive refresh rate thanks to LTPO panels, and such a large battery should allow for competitive battery life, even with heavy use of the inner screen. However, given its thin body and complex hinge, it remains to be seen how Apple will manage heat dissipation to prevent overheating, especially in Europe, where summer heat waves have already exposed the limitations of more than one high-end smartphone.
Cameras, photography, and cutouts compared to the iPhone Pro
If there's one area where the iPhone Ultra doesn't seem likely to catch up with the Pro models, it's the camera. Leaks agree that, at least in this first version, the foldable phone will fall short. which will remain exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
Instead, a rear module is expected with two 48 megapixel sensorsOne wide-angle and one ultra-wide-angle lens, very much in line with what's expected for the standard iPhone 18. It's a more than adequate set for most situations, but it means giving up the advanced optical zoom that many Pro range users particularly value, especially for travel or portrait photography.
The main reason appears to be, once again, space. Integrating a high-quality telephoto lens into such a thin, foldable body is no trivial matter, and for now, Apple seems to have decided to prioritize thickness and battery life over offering a camera setup as ambitious as that of its non-foldable models.
There is also talk of a total of four cameras The cameras are distributed across the device: two on the back, one on the front of the outer screen, and one on the inside. This configuration would allow for comfortable video calls and selfies with the phone both closed and open, although it wouldn't offer the same level of zoom versatility as the Pro models.
In everyday use, the iPhone Ultra's foldable photography experience will likely fall somewhere between that of an iPhone 18 and an 18 Pro, with very similar image processing and the same software features, but with that clear limitation in optical zoom. For many users who prioritize the foldable design and large screen, this may not be an issue; for those who consider the camera their number one priority, the iPhone 18 Pro will remain a safer bet.
Software, iOS 27 and adaptation to the foldable format
On the software side, almost no one doubts that the foldable iPhone Ultra will come with iOS 27 pre-installed. The interesting part will be how Apple adapts the operating system to the specifics of a device with two screens and a format that changes in real time when it's opened or closed.
Expectations are high because other manufacturers, especially Samsung, have invested years perfecting their software layers for foldable phones, with split-screen modes, floating windows, and specific features for using the phone semi-open on a surface. Apple will have to offer something at least up to par for the flexible format makes practical sense beyond the initial surprise effect.
We can expect to see an adjustable interface that smoothly switches between the outer and inner screens, a multitasking system optimized for the 7,8-inch panel, and custom gestures for things like dragging content between apps or using the device as a small foldable monitor.
In Europe, where the average user tends to extend the lifespan of their phone and values ​​long-term software updates, the promise of extensive support for this first foldable phone will be another key factor. If the iPhone Ultra aims to cost more than €2.000, customers will expect that... iOS 27 and future versions Keep taking care of this format for many years.
Expected price and comparison with other folding bikes in Spain
The price is probably the most sensitive point of the foldable iPhone Ultra. All leaks agree that it will be positioned at the high end of the market, with a starting price clearly exceeding €2.000, at least for the basic storage configuration.
The figures being discussed are around 2.000-2.250 eurosSome sources specifically mention €2.259 as a potential benchmark for Spain and other eurozone countries. This would place it above many of its direct competitors.
To put it in context, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7The iPhone 6, one of the best-known foldable phones on the Spanish market, is priced around €2.109-€2.219 for its base model, while options like the Huawei Mate X7 or the Honor Magic V5 are also in the €2.000-€2.100 range. Apple's pricing history suggests that it won't try to compete on price, but rather justify a slightly higher cost with design, ecosystem, and promises of durability.
In Europe, the impact of such an expensive product will depend on factors like interest-free financing offered by many carriers, upgrade programs, and buyback plans. If Apple can bring the monthly cost of a foldable phone closer to that of a traditional iPhone Pro, the iPhone Ultra could find a solid niche among those already willing to pay for the top-of-the-line model and who want to try a different form factor.
In any case, until the company officially announces the figure, everything is just an estimate. And, as is often the case with Apple, it's quite likely that the exact price be one of the pieces of information that is best kept secret until the very last moment.
With all the leaks, the foldable iPhone Ultra is starting to look like a very unique device: a passport-sized iPhone that opens like a book, with high refresh rate LTPO OLED displays, a 2nm A20 Pro chip, a large battery, and a modular interior designed to make repairs easier, but which also forgoes Face ID, a telephoto lens, and features like the action button and physical SIM tray. In a European market where foldable phones are still gaining traction, this model could become both the definitive validation of the format for the general public and an expensive experiment reserved for those who want to be on the cutting edge and are willing to accept the compromises of this first generation.
