Quick Answer
Apple is rumored to be launching its first foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra, in late 2026 with a book-style design and a crease-free 7.8-inch inner display.
The device is expected to feature an A20 Pro chip, a liquid metal hinge, and possibly Touch ID instead of Face ID on the folding screen.
For Australian buyers, the starting price could land between $3,200 and $3,800 AUD due to exchange rates and local taxes.
A book-style design with zero crease
If the leaks hold true, Apple is skipping the flip phone style in favor of a larger, book-style foldable that essentially turns your iPhone into an iPad mini.
Reports from display analysts point to a 5.5-inch outer cover screen and a massive 7.8-inch inner OLED display when unfolded.
The magic hinge
Apple has reportedly spent years perfecting a liquid metal hinge mechanism to achieve what competitors have struggled with: a completely flat, crease-free internal screen.
Slim profile
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently suggested the device could measure an astonishingly thin 4.5mm when unfolded, and roughly 9.5mm when closed, making it significantly sleeker than the current Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Peak performance: A20 Pro and variable cameras
Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra is expected to share DNA with the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max. It is rumored to run on Apple's next generation A20 processor built on a 2-nanometer process, ensuring massive power efficiency to support the dual screens.
Interestingly, leaks suggest Apple may abandon Face ID for the inner screen due to the complex folding mechanics, opting instead to bring back a modernized Touch ID integrated directly into the power button or under the display.
On the back, expect a dual 48MP camera setup featuring the highly rumored variable aperture lens for pro level photography.
Release date and Australian pricing
Here is where things get painful for our wallets. Because the foldable requires complex engineering and dual screens, it will sit at the absolute top of Apple's product stack.
Expected price
US leaks place the starting price around $2,000 to $2,400 USD. For Australian buyers, accounting for exchange rates and local taxes, this means the iPhone Ultra could easily start between $3,200 and $3,800 AUD.
Release window
While the standard iPhone 18 lineup will launch in September 2026, several reliable sources including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggest the foldable might be held back slightly, with shipments beginning in November or December 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Apple actually making a folding iPhone?
Yes. While Apple has not officially announced it, numerous credible supply chain leaks, patent filings, and tech analysts confirm that Apple is currently in trial production for a foldable device launching in late 2026.
Will the foldable iPhone have Face ID?
Current rumors suggest the iPhone Ultra might rely on Touch ID rather than Face ID, at least for the internal folding screen, due to the difficulty of hiding the TrueDepth camera sensors under a flexible display.
Why is the rumored iPhone Ultra so expensive?
The high cost is attributed to the complex hinge engineering, the use of two high refresh rate OLED screens, a premium titanium build, and the global shortage of memory chips driving up overall manufacturing costs.
Should you wait for the iPhone Ultra?
If you are in the market for a new phone in 2026 and love cutting edge tech, the iPhone Ultra could be worth the wait. The foldable form factor offers real productivity benefits, especially for multitasking and media consumption.
However, first generation Apple products tend to carry a premium price and occasionally launch with minor quirks. If budget is a concern, the standard iPhone 18 Pro Max will still be an outstanding device at a lower price point.
The takeaway
Apple's entry into the foldable market is one of the most anticipated tech launches of 2026. The iPhone Ultra promises a crease-free display, a slim profile, and flagship performance, but it comes with a flagship price to match.
For Australian buyers, the wait continues until late 2026. Until then, the rumor mill will keep spinning, and I will keep watching for credible leaks that tell us more about what Apple has built.
The Headline Rumor
Multiple supply chain reports continue to indicate that Apple is preparing its first foldable iPhone for a late 2026 announcement. Internal codenames and component orders suggest the product is real, although a delay into 2027 remains possible.
Expected Form Factor
- Book style fold opening to a roughly 7.5 to 8 inch inner display.
- External cover screen approximately the size of an iPhone Pro.
- Slimmer hinge design than current competing foldables.
Likely Hardware Highlights
Reports point to a custom Apple silicon variant tuned for the form factor, a multi camera system inherited from the Pro line, and a battery layout optimized around the fold geometry. Charging is expected to top out around current MagSafe speeds rather than push into ultra fast territory.
Software Considerations
iPadOS style multitasking on the inner display is widely expected, with optimized layouts for first party apps at launch and SDK support for third party developers ahead of the release. Stage Manager refinements are also rumored to be part of the package.
Pricing Expectations
- Premium positioning well above the current iPhone Pro Max.
- Limited initial availability in key markets only.
- Potential carrier financing programs designed to soften the upfront price.
How It Compares to Samsung and Honor
Apple's late entry to the foldable market gives it an opportunity to learn from rivals' missteps. Expect a more polished hinge, tighter software optimization, and an ecosystem advantage that few competitors can match.
How to Read Pre Launch Rumors
Take exact specifications with caution. Component leaks are reliable directionally but routinely off on final details. The most credible rumors come from analysts with deep supply chain access and a multi year track record of accurate Apple forecasts.
Should You Wait
If you typically upgrade every year and are intrigued by foldables, holding out is reasonable. If you depend on your phone daily and dislike first generation hardware, waiting for the second generation Ultra Fold may be the wiser long term move.
