For years, rumours about a foldable iPhone have surfaced almost every time Apple prepared to launch a new generation of smartphones. While competitors such as Samsung, Google, Honor and Huawei have spent several years refining foldable devices, Apple has remained noticeably absent from the category.

That could finally be about to change.

According to multiple industry analysts and supply-chain reports, Apple is widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. While Apple has not confirmed any of these reports, the growing number of consistent leaks suggests that 2026 may finally be the year the foldable iPhone becomes reality.

Will It Be Called iPhone 18 Ultra?

The biggest mystery isn't whether Apple is making a foldable phone—it's what the company will call it.

Recent rumours suggest Apple could introduce an entirely new premium tier known as the iPhone Ultra, sitting above the Pro Max. Others believe Apple may simply market the device as the iPhone Fold.

Apple has used the "Ultra" branding successfully with the Apple Watch Ultra and M-series chips, making it a logical name for its most advanced iPhone yet. However, until Apple makes an official announcement, both names remain speculation.

A Book-Style Foldable Design

Unlike Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series, most reports indicate Apple is developing a book-style foldable, similar in concept to the Galaxy Z Fold.

Expected specifications include:

• Around a 5.5-inch external display
• Approximately a 7.8-inch internal OLED display when unfolded
• Nearly crease-free folding screen
• Premium titanium frame
• Ultra-thin hinge mechanism
• Improved durability compared to first-generation foldables

Apple is believed to have spent years perfecting the hinge design, refusing to release a foldable device until it met the company's standards for reliability.

A New Generation of Apple Silicon

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature Apple's next-generation A20 chip, built using an advanced manufacturing process designed to improve performance while reducing power consumption.

Combined with iOS 27, the device is expected to offer:

• Faster on-device AI processing
• Longer battery life
• Improved multitasking
• Enhanced gaming performance
• Better thermal efficiency

Some reports also suggest Apple has been adapting iOS specifically for foldable displays, allowing apps to transition smoothly between the cover screen and the larger internal display. WWDC 2026 software announcements included several features that developers believe prepare iOS for larger and flexible screen layouts.

Could Touch ID Return?

One of the more surprising rumours involves Touch ID.

Because placing Face ID components beneath a folding display presents engineering challenges, some analysts believe Apple could integrate Touch ID into the power button, similar to recent iPad Air models.

This would not necessarily replace Face ID forever, but it could be Apple's temporary solution for its first foldable phone.

As with many leaked specifications, this remains unconfirmed.

The Most Expensive iPhone Ever?

Foldable smartphones are expensive to manufacture, and Apple appears unlikely to compete on price.

Current estimates suggest the foldable iPhone could cost:

• Starting price above $2,000
• Possibly as high as $2,500 depending on storage

That would comfortably make it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold.

Apple is expected to position the device as an ultra-premium product aimed at professionals, technology enthusiasts and early adopters rather than the mainstream smartphone market.

Limited Availability at Launch

Several supply-chain reports suggest Apple may initially produce only a relatively small number of foldable iPhones.

Reasons include:

• Complex manufacturing
• New hinge technology
• Flexible OLED production limits
• Strict Apple quality control

This could mean very limited availability during the first few months after launch, especially if demand exceeds expectations. Some reports suggest Apple has increased planned production volumes, although supply constraints may still affect launch availability.

Can Apple Succeed Where Others Have Struggled?

Foldable phones have improved dramatically over the past five years, but they still face criticism over:

• Visible display creases
• Thick designs
• Durability concerns
• High prices

Apple's strategy has often been to enter a product category later than competitors but deliver a more polished experience. The company followed this approach with smartphones, smartwatches and wireless earbuds.

If Apple manages to eliminate many of the compromises that have affected current foldable devices, the iPhone Ultra could become the product that finally brings foldable phones into the mainstream.

Final Thoughts

At the moment, everything surrounding the iPhone 18 Ultra remains unofficial. Apple has not announced a foldable iPhone, confirmed its name, pricing or specifications.

However, the volume and consistency of recent reports make this one of the most credible Apple rumours in years.

Whether it launches as the iPhone Ultra or the iPhone Fold, Apple's first foldable smartphone has the potential to become one of the biggest technology releases of the decade.

Until Apple takes the stage, we'll have to separate excitement from speculation—but if the rumours prove accurate, 2026 could mark the beginning of an entirely new chapter for the iPhone.