According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to unveil its first foldable smartphone, widely expected to be named the iPhone Ultra, during its annual launch event on September 9. The device has spent nearly a decade in development, arriving after years of speculation surrounding Apple’s entry into the foldable hardware category.
Pricing Realities and the Memory Chip Crunch
However, severe memory chip shortages and industry-wide price hikes have pushed the expected starting price to $2,199.
That cost structure places the base model of the foldable device above both the iPhone 17 Pro Max—which starts at $1,199—and the M5 MacBook Pro, which begins at $1,699. For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 enters the market at $1,999.99, making Apple’s upcoming offering one of the most expensive consumer phones available.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on storage tier pricing as launch day approaches.
Hardware Specifications and Display Proportions
The iPhone Ultra will feature a 7.8-inch folding internal screen alongside a 5.5-inch cover display, based on reports detailed by GSMArena. When unfolded, the device’s proportions are designed to resemble a Magic Trackpad, while folding down to roughly the size of a passport.
To combat the prominent crease typically found in flexible displays, Apple has engineered a titanium and aluminum hinge system alongside custom cover glass developed in partnership with Corning. According to YouTube creator Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech, cited by TechRadar, the crease depth will measure approximately 0.15mm, making it significantly smaller than competing foldables.
Battery, Cameras, and Connectivity Specs
Internal hardware configurations point to substantial performance upgrades. According to TechRadar, the device is slated to include 12GB of RAM, an A20 Pro chipset, and an efficient Apple C2 modem capable of supporting 5G over satellite connections. Prosser’s reporting adds that the phone will pack an estimated 5,800mAh battery, eclipsing competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 at 4,400mAh and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold at 5,015mAh.
Camera hardware will reportedly consist of two 48MP rear sensors—one wide and one ultra-wide—along with a punch-hole camera on the cover screen. Apple is still weighing options between a punch-hole or an under-display camera for the primary folding screen. Measuring 9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5mm unfolded, the device’s slim profile reportedly leaves no room for Face ID, relying instead on Touch ID.
Did you know? At just 4.5mm thick when unfolded, the iPhone Ultra is designed to be even thinner than the 5.6mm iPhone Air, presenting significant engineering challenges for biometric sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Apple expected to announce the iPhone Ultra?
Apple is widely expected to unveil the device during its annual iPhone launch event on September 9, according to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman via GSMArena.
How much will the foldable iPhone cost?
Pricing is expected to start at $2,199 due to memory chip shortages, with top storage configurations potentially reaching up to $3,000.
What are the screen dimensions of the iPhone Ultra?
The device will reportedly feature a 7.8-inch folding internal display and a 5.5-inch cover screen.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s entry into the foldable market? Will you be picking up the iPhone Ultra at these price points, or sticking with traditional form factors? Let us know in the comments below, explore our latest iPhone coverage, and subscribe to our newsletter for breaking tech updates.