Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Launch on September 9: Everything We Know So Far

Apple could soon enter the foldable smartphone market. The company is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at its September 9 launch event. According to reports, the new device could be called the iPhone Ultra.

Apple’s foldable iPhone could be launched alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series and new Apple Watch models. If officially unveiled, it would mark Apple’s first major entry into the foldable smartphone segment, where Samsung, Google, and several other Android manufacturers already have established devices.

Ahead of the September 9 event, numerous leaks and reports have revealed potential details about the iPhone Ultra’s design, display, processor, cameras, charging capabilities, expected price, and release timeline. Here’s everything we know so far about Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Slim Book-Style Foldable Design

According to leaks, the iPhone Ultra could feature a book-style foldable design. The device is reportedly expected to measure around 4.5mm thick when unfolded. If accurate, this could make it one of Apple’s thinnest smartphones.

The device is expected to feature two displays, including a 7.8-inch internal screen and a 5.5-inch cover display. Recent reports have also suggested that the foldable could feature a nearly crease-free screen, rounded bezels, and a redesigned hinge aimed at improving durability.

The overall form factor of the iPhone Ultra could resemble Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, although Apple’s device may feature more rounded corners. YouTuber Unbox Therapy has also shared details about the phone’s alleged design based on dummy units reportedly obtained from China.

According to the leaked units, the rear design of the iPhone Ultra could bear some resemblance to the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Two cameras are reportedly visible on the back of the device. The foldable iPhone is also expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chipset, while a dual-camera setup could deliver flagship-level photography performance.

Other design-related leaks have also surfaced. Case manufacturer Benks has reportedly shared listings for iPhone Ultra cases. Meanwhile, leaker Instant Digital previously claimed that Apple could place the volume buttons on the top of the device rather than along the side.

iPhone Ultra Could Retain MagSafe Support

One of the latest claims surrounding the iPhone Ultra concerns MagSafe support. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman told Tom’s Guide that Apple could retain MagSafe wireless charging on its foldable iPhone despite the device’s reportedly ultra-thin profile.

If true, users could potentially continue using their existing MagSafe chargers, wallets, and other magnetic accessories with the foldable iPhone.

However, some earlier dummy units and renders suggested that Apple might remove the MagSafe magnets from the iPhone Ultra. Gurman’s latest information contradicts those earlier reports. He believes Apple could incorporate MagSafe into the foldable because the company has already managed to integrate the technology into its extremely thin iPhone Air.

Foldable iPhone Could Start at $2,000

The expected price of Apple’s first foldable iPhone is another major talking point. Current reports suggest that the iPhone Ultra could have a starting price of around $2,000, which is approximately Rs 1.9 lakh in India.

Earlier, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimated that Apple’s foldable iPhone could cost between $2,000 and $2,500. His more recent estimate places the expected price between $2,300 and $2,500.

Meanwhile, the International Data Corporation (IDC) has estimated an average price of around $2,550 for the iPhone Ultra. In early September, Mark Gurman also suggested that the device could cost at least $2,000.

However, all of these figures are currently based on estimates and reports. Apple has yet to officially confirm the price of its foldable iPhone.

When Could the iPhone Ultra Go on Sale?

Apple has officially confirmed its September 9 launch event, where the iPhone 18 series is expected to be unveiled. The event is also widely expected to serve as the launch platform for Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

According to reports, the iPhone Ultra could go on sale in fall 2026. The device could become available alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Based on last year’s iPhone 17 launch timeline, some reports have suggested September 19 as a possible retail release date.

However, the exact release schedule remains unclear. Tech analyst Tim Long previously suggested that shipments of Apple’s foldable iPhone might not begin until December. Mark Gurman, however, has disputed that possibility.

In addition, a separate report from Australia, citing Chinese supply chain manufacturers, claimed that the iPhone Ultra could become available in the US shortly after its launch, while other international markets may receive the device at a later date.

For now, the iPhone Ultra remains officially unconfirmed. Apple has not yet revealed its name, specifications, price, or release date. The company’s September 9 event is expected to provide clarity on the long-rumoured foldable iPhone and confirm whether Apple is finally ready to enter the foldable smartphone market.