August 24, 2026, 2:37 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable smartphone, internally referred to as the iPhone “Ultra,” on September 9, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, some individuals have already tested the device. The build quality and hinge have been praised–however, the camera setup could be an issue.
Thin Design and Two Displays
When closed, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 5.5-inch display. Once unfolded, the screen size increases to about 7.8 inches. The device is said to be only around 4.5 millimeters thick.
This design aligns with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. Early testers describe the device as handy and easy to store, according to Bloomberg. The hinge is reported to give a robust and high-quality impression.
The adjusted app layouts on the larger inner display have also been well-received by testers. Their design is reminiscent of the interfaces on an iPad.
Hands-On With the Galaxy Z Fold 8
First Case for iPhone Fold Now Available
Dual Camera Without Telephoto Lens
Although the “Ultra” is supposed to be Apple’s new flagship smartphone, the camera setup is rather modest. It includes a dual camera with a main sensor of 48 megapixels and an ultra-wide-angle lens. However, Apple has opted not to include a telephoto lens.
For zoomed-in shots, only digital zoom would be available. Gurman sees this as a potential issue for sales, as buyers in this price range typically expect a full camera setup.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8, which was released in July in a compact passport format by Samsung, also lacks a telephoto lens. Optical zoom is only available on the more expensive and larger Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
Touch ID and High Entry Price
Instead of Face ID, Apple is expected to use Touch ID for the foldable iPhone. The fingerprint sensor is likely to be located in the side power button, similar to current iPads and MacBooks. This allows for a thinner design. Some users might see the lack of Face ID as a step back, while others may prefer fingerprint unlocking. The report does not mention any other facial recognition options.
Industry expectations suggest a starting price of at least $2,000. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo even anticipates a price range of $2,300 to $2,500.
Initially, the foldable iPhone is expected to be available in limited quantities. It is not yet known when the device will actually hit the market following the anticipated presentation.