Apple is widely expected to unveil its long-rumored foldable smartphone during its annual iPhone launch event in September, according to industry reports. While the device has frequently been referred to publicly as the iPhone Fold, AppleInsider notes that a colloquial name has caught on internally among employees. According to 9to5mac.com, well-sourced leaker Mark Gurman posted on social media that Everyone calls it the Ultra internally.
Internal Naming and September Debut Expectations
Despite the widespread internal usage reported by Gurman, observers caution that marketing names remain under tight security at Apple, and the final retail branding has not been officially confirmed. The device is expected to be introduced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, and techspot.com reports that the foldable model is projected to be Apple’s most expensive iPhone to date, with a US starting price anticipated between $1,999 and $2,499.
Design Specifications and Hardware Rumors
Ahead of the official unveiling, various details regarding the foldable device’s physical layout and internal specifications have circulated. According to techspot.com, the foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a 7.7-inch inner screen and a 5.3-inch outer screen, giving users expanded room for video, applications, and multitasking when unfolded. Additionally, the device is expected to include two rear cameras and a single front-facing camera. In a departure from flagship iPhones that rely on facial recognition, the report indicates that the foldable model could utilize a Touch ID sensor built into the power button.
Independent luxury customiser Caviar has also showcased a custom rendition of the device dubbed the iPhone 18 Ultra, featuring a book-style design with a gold-level finish and dark metal layout around the Apple logo, as detailed by news18.com. Caviar’s listed specifications for its custom luxury version point toward a 5.3-inch cover screen and a 7.3-inch inner foldable panel in a 4:3 ratio supporting a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, alongside an A20 processor, 12GB of RAM, a dual 48-megapixel camera system, a 24-megapixel selfie sensor, and a 5,800mAh battery housed within an ultra-thin body.
Long-Term Product Roadmap and Future Generations
Even before the first-generation foldable device officially reaches the market, Apple is reportedly planning several generations ahead as part of a long-term strategy for its foldable lineup. According to vietnamnet.vn, Mark Gurman reported in his newsletter that Apple is preparing a second-generation foldable model expected to launch toward the end of 2027 around the time the company marks the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly exploring a third generation that could arrive as early as 2028.
The roadmap for the third-generation model reportedly includes consideration of a slight increase in display size for both the main inner display and the smaller outer screen. Developing a multi-generation roadmap aligns with Apple’s standard product development cycles, which span hardware design, displays, chips, components, software, and supply capacity over multiple years. However, analysts note that the ultimate trajectory of the lineup will depend on market reception, pricing, durability, software experiences, and actual consumer demand following the initial September introduction.
