Apple employees are internally referring to the company’s upcoming foldable device as the «iPhone Ultra,» according to a recent post by technology journalist Mark Gurman.
The highly anticipated smartphone is slated for a September unveiling alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Initially rumoured as the «iPhone Fold» by industry analysts, the Ultra moniker began circulating among tech leakers earlier this year. Gurman noted on X on August 11 that the name has gained widespread traction within Apple itself.
However, internal use does not guarantee the branding will appear on retail packaging. Apple maintains strict corporate secrecy protocols regarding product names, specifications and launch dates. Staff members not directly involved in the foldable device’s development may simply be adopting the terminology popularised by external sources.
Everyone calls it the Ultra internally. We’ll see what happens.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) August 11, 2026
Book-style design and titanium build
Supply chain leaks suggest the iPhone Ultra will adopt a book-style folding mechanism resulting in a squarer, passport-like shape. The device is expected to feature a 5.5-inch external screen that opens to reveal a 7.8-inch internal OLED display. This interior screen reportedly uses a 4:3 aspect ratio, offering users an expansive viewing experience similar to an iPad mini.
To address the visible crease that plagues many foldable phones on the market, Apple is reportedly developing a LiquidMetal hinge and variable thickness display glass. The structural frame is expected to combine titanium for stress-bearing components and aluminium for heat dissipation. Recent leaks from accessory manufacturers also indicate the device will launch in two primary finishes: classic silver and dark blue.
Biometric shifts and premium pricing
Engineering a slim profile has allegedly forced Apple to make significant hardware trade-offs. The foldable model will reportedly abandon Face ID because the chassis lacks sufficient depth to house the TrueDepth camera system. Instead, the company is expected to integrate Touch ID into the side power button, mirroring the current iPad Air design.
Internally, the iPhone Ultra is rumoured to run on the next-generation A20 Pro chip paired with 12GB of RAM. The device is expected to run a customised version of iOS tailored for multitasking, bridging the gap between a traditional smartphone and a tablet. Its camera module will likely feature wide and ultra-wide lenses but omit the telephoto lens found on standard Pro models due to space constraints.
Industry analysts anticipate an ultra-premium price tag, with the device expected to start at around $2,299 to $2,499 when it reaches consumers shortly after the September launch event.
