Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive with a premium price tag

Tuesday 08 September 2026 - 17:47

By: Azzat Manal

Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive with a premium price tag

After years of speculation, Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market, with leaks suggesting that the company could unveil its first foldable iPhone at its upcoming September event.

The device, which has been widely rumored to carry the name iPhone Ultra, is expected to feature a book-style folding design. When closed, it would function as a conventional smartphone with an external display, while opening the device would expand the screen to roughly twice its compact size.

The rumored launch would mark a major shift for Apple as it seeks to compete more directly with established players in the foldable smartphone segment, including Samsung and Google. The company has remained outside the category while rivals have spent several years developing and refining foldable devices.

According to reports surrounding the upcoming event, Apple is also expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, featuring upgrades to its processor and camera systems. The foldable model, however, is likely to attract the greatest attention because of its new form factor.

Price could be one of the biggest obstacles for potential buyers. Industry expectations indicate that the foldable iPhone could cost more than $2,000, placing it firmly in the premium segment. Supply could also be limited, particularly amid continuing pressure on the global semiconductor market.

The current chip environment has become increasingly competitive as technology companies expand their investments in artificial intelligence and demand for advanced components grows. Higher component costs and constrained supplies could therefore add to the production challenges associated with a sophisticated foldable device.

The rumored iPhone Ultra is expected to combine a thin profile with a large foldable display, but achieving that design could require Apple to make several compromises. Reports suggest the company may replace Face ID with Touch ID and potentially omit the telephoto camera found on its Pro models in order to accommodate the slimmer construction.

The device is also expected to use a new processor, around 12GB of RAM and a larger battery, while software changes would allow iOS to operate efficiently across the two display configurations.

Apple’s experience with thin smartphones could provide a foundation for the new design. The company’s recent focus on slimmer devices is believed to have influenced the engineering approach behind the rumored foldable model.

Despite the growing number of leaks, several details remain unconfirmed, including the final name of the device, its exact specifications, price and launch availability. Apple has not officially confirmed the existence of the foldable iPhone.

If the reports prove accurate, the launch would represent one of Apple’s most significant changes to the iPhone design in years and could intensify competition in an increasingly crowded foldable smartphone market.