Igeekphone News, July 24 — Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first large-format foldable device, expected to debut during the company’s September autumn event alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series.
According to information shared by well-known tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, has entered production, with the overall design now finalized. The latest appearance renders reveal a horizontal folding form factor, a wide internal display, and a minimalist dual-camera design similar to current large-format foldable phones.
While Apple has not officially confirmed the device, the rumored iPhone Ultra could represent the company’s biggest shift in iPhone design history, bringing a tablet-like experience to the iPhone lineup for the first time.
iPhone Ultra Adopts a Wide 4:3 Foldable Design
According to leaked specifications, the iPhone Ultra will feature a 4:3 wide folding display structure, focusing on productivity and large-screen experiences rather than simply increasing phone size.
When fully unfolded, the device is expected to feature:
- 7.76-inch internal foldable display
- 2713 × 1920 resolution
- Tablet-style viewing experience similar to the iPad mini
The larger square-like display ratio is designed for scenarios such as:
- Document editing
- Split-screen multitasking
- Video viewing
- Web browsing
- Professional productivity tasks
This would make the foldable iPhone the first Apple smartphone designed around a tablet-class display experience.
Compact External Display for Everyday Use
When folded, the iPhone Ultra is expected to offer a 5.49-inch external display with:
- 2088 × 1422 resolution
The cover screen would allow users to complete common tasks without opening the device, including:
- Making calls
- Replying to messages
- Taking photos
- Checking notifications
Unlike current iPhone models, the external display reportedly removes the Dynamic Island design and uses a simpler single front camera cutout, creating a cleaner front appearance.
Titanium Frame and Ultra-Thin Foldable Body
Apple is reportedly focusing heavily on portability with the iPhone Ultra.
The device is expected to use:
- Lightweight titanium alloy frame
- Stainless steel reinforced hinge components
- Liquid metal casting structure in stress areas
According to leaks, the body dimensions are expected to be:
- Less than 250g total weight
- 4.8mm thickness when unfolded
- 9.6mm thickness when folded
If accurate, the iPhone Ultra would be among the thinnest large foldable smartphones available, addressing one of the biggest weaknesses of current foldable devices: excessive thickness and weight.
Apple Developing Advanced Hinge Technology to Reduce Creases
The hinge system is expected to be one of the most important technologies behind Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Reports suggest Apple has spent years developing a new hinge structure featuring:
- Internal metal stress dispersion plates
- Self-repairing screen surface coating
- Improved durability testing
The goal is to reduce common foldable phone issues, including:
- Visible screen creases
- Hinge loosening over time
- Reduced structural stability after repeated folding
The device has reportedly undergone tens of thousands of folding tests to improve long-term reliability.
Touch ID Returns as Face ID Is Removed
To maximize internal space, Apple is rumored to make a major biometric change.
The iPhone Ultra may:
- Remove the Face ID facial recognition system
- Integrate Touch ID into the side power button
This approach would allow Apple to reduce internal component requirements while creating additional room for:
- Larger batteries
- Thinner construction
- Foldable display components
The move would mark the return of Touch ID to a flagship iPhone model after years of Face ID-only designs.
A20 Pro Chip and iOS 27 Foldable Optimization
In terms of performance, the iPhone Ultra is expected to feature Apple’s next-generation flagship platform.
Rumored specifications include:
- TSMC 2nm A20 Pro chip
- 12GB RAM
- iOS 27 foldable-specific system optimization
Apple is reportedly developing a dedicated software experience for the foldable form factor, including:
- Multi-window operation
- Drag-and-drop file transfer between apps
- Improved split-screen workflows
- Tablet-style productivity features
The software optimization could become one of Apple’s biggest advantages over existing foldable phones, as iPadOS-inspired multitasking may provide a more mature large-screen experience.
Limited Initial Production and Premium Pricing Expected
Due to the complexity of foldable display technology and advanced hinge manufacturing, the first-generation iPhone Ultra is expected to have limited availability at launch.
According to current leaks:
- Overseas starting price: Above $2,000
- China market estimated starting price: Above 13,999 yuan
The premium pricing reflects the higher cost of:
- Foldable OLED panels
- Advanced hinge components
- Titanium materials
- New manufacturing processes
Apple may position the iPhone Ultra as an ultra-premium product rather than a direct replacement for the standard iPhone lineup.
iPhone Ultra Could Mark Apple’s Biggest iPhone Design Change
If the leaks are accurate, the iPhone Ultra will represent Apple’s first major expansion beyond the traditional smartphone form factor.
With a large 7.76-inch foldable display, ultra-thin titanium body, A20 Pro chip, and a redesigned iOS experience, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could compete directly with premium foldable devices from Samsung, Huawei, and other manufacturers.
The device is expected to be unveiled during Apple’s September event, although final specifications, pricing, and availability remain unconfirmed until the official announcement.