Apple is preparing for one of its biggest iPhone launches in years, with its first foldable iPhone expected to become the main attraction at the company’s September 9 event.
The device would mark Apple’s first major move into the foldable smartphone market, a category already explored by companies such as Samsung, Google, Huawei and other Android manufacturers. Apple has taken a slower approach, but expectations are now high that the company will introduce its own version of a phone that can transform into a larger tablet-like device.
The new model is widely expected to use a book-style design. When closed, it could work much like a normal smartphone, while opening the device would reveal a much larger screen for videos, games, reading, productivity and multitasking.
Current reports point to an outer display of around 5.5 inches and an unfolded screen measuring roughly 7.8 inches. The larger display could have an iPad-like shape, giving Apple another way to connect the iPhone experience with the larger-screen features people normally expect from a tablet.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the phone is its folding screen. Visible creases have been a common issue for foldable devices, and Apple is expected to use a new hinge and display system designed to make the crease less noticeable. Reports suggest the crease may still be visible, but Apple appears to be focusing heavily on making the folding experience feel more polished.
The foldable iPhone could also bring an unusual change to Apple’s security system. Instead of Face ID, the device is expected to use Touch ID, possibly because the extremely thin design leaves limited space for the facial recognition hardware. MagSafe wireless charging is also expected to be supported.
Performance should remain firmly in flagship territory. The foldable model is expected to use Apple’s latest A20-series processor, while reports have also pointed to 12GB of memory. Apple could use the extra screen space to introduce new multitasking features that allow people to use multiple apps more comfortably when the phone is unfolded.
Pricing, however, could make the device one of the most expensive iPhones Apple has ever released. Estimates currently place the starting price above $2,000, with some expectations suggesting higher-storage versions could cost considerably more. That would position the foldable iPhone as a premium product aimed mainly at early adopters and customers looking for Apple’s most advanced hardware.
Apple is also expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max during the September event. Unlike previous years, the standard iPhone 18 and some lower-priced models are reportedly being held back until spring 2027. This could make Apple’s fall lineup much more focused on premium devices.
The final name of the foldable phone has not been officially confirmed. “iPhone Ultra” has appeared frequently in reports, but Apple could still choose a different name when the product is formally announced.
More important than the name will be how Apple handles durability, battery life, software support and the folding display itself. These are areas where existing foldable phones have improved significantly over the years, giving Apple strong competition from the beginning.
If the expected announcement happens, the foldable iPhone will represent one of the biggest changes to the iPhone’s physical design since the product was introduced. Apple will be entering the foldable market later than many competitors, but its arrival could bring much more attention to the category and encourage more users to consider foldable phones.
All eyes will now be on Apple’s September 9 event, where the company is expected to finally show how it plans to bring the iPhone into the foldable era.
