Apple is preparing to launch a foldable smartphone called the iPhone Ultra, featuring a 5.5-inch outer display and 7.8-inch inner display, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. The device will use Touch ID instead of Face ID to maintain a slim profile.

Apple is expected to announce its first foldable iPhone, tentatively named the iPhone Ultra, in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. According to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device will feature a book-style design with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded. Early testers have responded positively to the design and build quality, particularly praising the pocket-friendly size and the durability of the hinge mechanism. The foldable layout is designed to optimize productivity, video streaming, and gaming experiences by providing enhanced screen real estate.

A notable departure from current Apple devices is the use of Touch ID integrated into the side button for authentication, replacing the Face ID technology found on recent iPhone models. This change has been implemented to maintain the device's slim profile of approximately 4.5mm when unfolded. The camera system includes a dual-lens rear setup with a 48-megapixel main sensor and an ultra-wide lens, though notably lacks a telephoto lens—a feature that may concern consumers given the anticipated price range of $2,000 to $2,500 for higher storage variants.

Apple's entry into the foldable market comes as consumer interest in this category continues to grow. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 has achieved record pre-orders, while analysts project the global foldable smartphone market will expand over 20% annually through 2028. Industry observers remain cautiously optimistic about Apple's timing and positioning, though durability concerns and user adaptation to new interfaces remain potential obstacles to widespread adoption.