iPhone Ultra 2026: Everything we know about Apple's foldable iPhone

Notably, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities has suggested that the iPhone Ultra could "repeat the iPhone X story" — announced in September but with pre-orders not opening until late in the fourth quarter of 2026 . In July 2026, 9to5Mac reported that Foxconn was still making "final adjustments" to the manufacturing process, leaving the exact launch timing unclear .

Despite these concerns, other supply chain sources have reported that mass production has begun and that the device is on track for a September launch . The consensus view is that the unveiling will happen in September, but actual retail availability may be limited or delayed .

Display and design

The iPhone Ultra is expected to use a book-style folding design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series . Key display details include:

• Inner display: A 7.8-inch foldable OLED panel (some sources cite 7.7 inches) .
• Cover display: A 5.3 to 5.5-inch OLED screen for use when the device is folded .
• Casing: A combination of titanium and aluminum .
• Biometrics: The iPhone Ultra is expected to replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID sensor built into the power button. Reports indicate the ultra-thin chassis cannot accommodate the TrueDepth camera array required for Face ID . This would mark the first iPhone since the iPhone X to lack Face ID.

Samsung Display is reportedly the exclusive supplier of the foldable OLED panels, having begun production in late June 2026 .

Price

The iPhone Ultra is expected to be Apple's most expensive iPhone to date. The starting price is widely estimated between $2,000 and $2,500, with several sources landing on $2,299 to $2,300 as a likely base price . Ming-Chi Kuo places the starting price between $2,000 and $2,500, a range that aligns with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman . Lower storage configurations may start around $1,999, while higher-tier models could reach $2,900 or more .

Cameras and specifications

• Rear cameras: Dual 48MP cameras — a main wide sensor and an ultrawide sensor. There will be no telephoto lens .
• Front cameras: Two 24MP cameras (one on the inner display, one on the cover screen) .
• Chip: Apple's next-generation A20 or A20 Pro chip .
• RAM: 12GB .
• Battery: Reports vary between 4,883 mAh and 5,800 mAh .
• Modem: Apple's in-house C2 modem .
• Weight: An estimated 229 to 240 grams (8.1–8.5 ounces) .

Production and order targets

Apple's production plans for the iPhone Ultra have been a source of conflicting reports throughout 2026. Early in the year, The Elec reported that Apple had lowered its initial expectations to around 3 million units . However, by July 2026, Nikkei Asia reported that Apple had told suppliers to prepare approximately 10 million units for 2026, up from earlier forecasts of 7–8 million . This revised target signals growing confidence and suggests that earlier hinge and circuit board manufacturing issues may have been resolved .

Apple has also booked parts for roughly 80 million smartphones for the second half of 2026, covering the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra . Some suppliers have been told to expect orders for as many as 85 million new iPhones in that period .

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has forecast that foldable iPhone shipments could reach 20 to 25 million units in 2027 if the 2026 launch proves successful .

Key caveats

It is essential to note that Apple has not officially confirmed any details about a foldable iPhone. All information above is based on leaks, supply chain reports, and analyst rumors. The ChannelNews report about a US-only initial rollout is very recent (August 13, 2026), and while it has been corroborated by multiple reputable Apple news outlets, it remains an unconfirmed claim from a single Australian outlet citing unnamed carrier and supplier sources . Readers should treat these details as informed speculation until Apple makes an official announcement.