After years of rumours, delays and missed predictions, Apple’s first foldable iPhone now appears closer than ever. Fresh reports suggest the long awaited device could make its debut in September, although early buyers may face limited availability because of supply constraints.
The foldable iPhone has been tipped for release since at least 2018, with earlier predictions pointing to launches in 2020, 2021 and beyond. None of those timelines materialised, but analysts and industry insiders now believe 2026 could finally be the year Apple enters the foldable smartphone market.
While many have referred to the device as the iPhone Fold, recent leaks suggest Apple is more likely to market it as the iPhone Ultra. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously reported that Apple is expanding its Ultra branding, while other leaks have echoed the possibility of the new name.
The device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September. However, reports indicate production remains tight, meaning supplies could be limited during the initial rollout. Barclays analyst Tim Long believes shipping may not begin until December, even if Apple unveils the phone in September.
Hints of the device have also surfaced in Apple’s software. Developers examining the iOS 27 beta discovered references to features labelled “foldState” and “angleDegrees”, suggesting Apple is preparing software capable of detecting whether a device is folded and at what angle. Those references do not appear to match any existing iPhone model.
According to current rumours, Apple’s first foldable phone will use a book style design similar to a small tablet when opened. It is expected to feature a 7.7 to 7.8 inch inner display and a smaller 5.3 to 5.5 inch outer screen, offering an experience closer to an iPad mini than a traditional smartphone.
The premium device is also expected to run Apple’s A20 chip, include up to 12GB of RAM and carry a battery capacity of around 5,000 to 5,500mAh. Camera rumours point to dual 48 megapixel rear cameras, but the phone may skip a telephoto lens to save internal space. Reports also suggest Apple could replace Face ID with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the power button.
Pricing is expected to reflect its flagship status. Analysts estimate the foldable iPhone could start at around $1,999, with higher storage versions reaching $2,399, making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet.
Despite growing confidence that Apple’s foldable phone is close, the company has not officially confirmed the product, meaning all specifications and launch plans remain based on industry reports and leaks.
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