What Mark Gurman Reported About Apple’s Rumored Foldable iPhone Ultra

Apple has confirmed a September 9 event, but it has not confirmed a foldable iPhone or its specifications. Mark Gurman’s reporting, as relayed in interviews and follow-up coverage, describes a high-end, book-style device widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra. The central takeaway is straightforward: it is expected to be a costly, highly capable foldable for enthusiasts, rather than a must-have replacement for a conventional iPhone. 1118

The reported design: a phone that opens into a larger workspace

The device is expected to use a roughly 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded. That would put it in the same broad category as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line: a regular-phone-sized cover screen that opens into a small-tablet-style canvas, rather than a compact flip phone. 211

Gurman also said the foldable is expected to include MagSafe, resolving a key question around whether Apple could fit the magnetic charging system into such a thin device. He described the expected internals as Apple’s latest Pro-class chip and latest Apple modem. 37

The larger display is intended to do more than make video and web pages bigger. Reports say iOS 27 will support two apps side by side and enable drag-and-drop between apps, features that could make the unfolded format more practical for messaging, research and multitasking. 812

Price and timing: premium pricing, unconfirmed availability

Gurman said the foldable is likely to start above $2,000, positioning it well above Apple’s standard flagship phones. That price makes the product less a mass-market upgrade and more a premium option for buyers who value a large pocketable screen. 1112

He expected the device to arrive alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, or within weeks of the main presentation if the launches do not happen simultaneously. Reporting before the event also pointed to a possible September 12 pre-order date, but Apple had not announced pre-orders or an on-sale date. Treat any specific retail date as provisional. 41418

The main compromises: biometrics and cameras

The reported hardware is not expected to match every capability of an iPhone Pro model. The most notable tradeoff is authentication: Apple is expected to use Touch ID in the side button rather than Face ID. 25

The rear camera system is also reportedly limited to a main camera and an ultra-wide camera, with no telephoto lens. Coverage of Gurman’s reporting said early testers appreciated the larger screen as a camera viewfinder but were less enthusiastic about the absence of a telephoto option—an especially meaningful limitation at a price above $2,000. 2513

Durability and display questions remain open

A foldable’s hinge, crease and water resistance are crucial purchasing considerations, but they were not settled by the reporting. Gurman’s account suggested Apple is aiming for durability comparable to a conventional iPhone, while reports still described a visible crease similar to those on current foldables. Apple had not confirmed an IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating. These remain areas to verify in Apple’s final product announcement and technical specifications. 27

What else to expect at Apple’s September 9 event

Apple confirmed its September 9 keynote, scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were widely expected to headline the event alongside the rumored foldable. Reports pointed to an A20 Pro chip, with some coverage identifying it as a 2nm design, as well as camera changes for the Pro phones. 1725

Other products expected in reporting included Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5. Those products, their features and their availability were all still unannounced ahead of the event. 1724

Who the foldable iPhone may be for

Gurman’s consumer advice is the best lens for reading the rumors: buyers do not need a foldable iPhone; it is something to buy if they specifically want one. 11

That makes the likely decision simple. The iPhone Ultra may appeal to people who want a larger display for work, media and multitasking without carrying a separate tablet. Buyers who prioritize Face ID, telephoto photography, a lower price or proven water-resistance details may find the conventional iPhone Pro line the safer choice—at least until Apple publishes final specifications. 2511