Apple’s first foldable iPhone may launch as iPhone Ultra, price also tipped
Rumours about Apple entering the foldable smartphone market have been floating around for years. The latest round of leaks suggests the company may finally make that move later this year, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Most reports so far have referred to it as the ‘iPhone Fold.’ However, a new rumour (via) coming from China claims Apple could instead go with the name iPhone Ultra, making it the most premium device in its lineup over the Pro Max models.
The same rumour also suggests Apple may introduce a broader Ultra tier across several product categories this year. Alongside the foldable iPhone Ultra, the company could reportedly launch AirPods Ultra and a MacBook Ultra, each expected to sit at the top of their respective product ranges.
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Pricing is still unclear, but early claims from Chinese tipster Whylabs suggest the foldable iPhone could start at over CNY 10,000 (around Rs 1.33 lakh). Higher-end versions may go past CNY 20,000 (around Rs 2.6 lakh). That’s a large gap between the entry and top configurations, and if accurate, it would easily make the device Apple’s most expensive phone so far. Earlier speculation had already suggested a price around USD 2,000 (around Rs 1.8 lakh) or more, which is typical for premium foldables.
New CAD-based renders shared by tipster Sonny Dickson offer another look at the possible design. The device appears to follow a book-style foldable format similar to the first-generation Google Pixel Fold, with a relatively wide cover display instead of the tall, narrow outer screens seen on phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5.
Current speculation points to a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch foldable inner screen. The inner panel is said to use a 4:3 aspect ratio, which could make it more practical for reading, browsing, and multitasking when opened. Like most foldables today, the display may still show a crease, though leaks suggest Apple is trying to keep it less noticeable. The camera setup shown in the renders includes two 48MP sensors with an LED flash. Both the inner and outer selfie cameras are expected to use punch-hole cutouts and may offer 18MP resolution.
There are also rumours about Apple using different materials to keep the device durable without adding too much weight. Reports mention a liquid metal hinge paired with a titanium frame, along with a 5,500mAh battery, which would be large by Apple standards and closer to what current foldables offer.
If the rumours prove accurate, Apple’s foldable would likely sit at the very top end of the smartphone market. Buyers considering a foldable later this year may want to keep in mind that companies like Samsung and Huawei already have multiple generations of foldable devices on sale, which means their designs and hinges have had more time to mature. Apple’s entry could appeal to users who prefer staying within the iPhone ecosystem. However, with pricing expected to stretch well beyond typical flagship levels, some buyers may choose to compare it with existing foldables before deciding.
