Apple’s Foldable iPhone Ultra Leaks Show Release Date and Pricing
Apple plans to unveil its first foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Ultra, at an event in early September 2026, according to multiple analyst reports and industry sources. The device is expected to launch as part of the iPhone 18 lineup, with mass production beginning in late 2025 to meet the anticipated fall release window.
The foldable iPhone, widely referred to as the iPhone Ultra, is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at an Apple event scheduled for early September 2026, with industry insiders pointing to September 8 or 9 as the likely announcement date, according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman and multiple analyst reports. The device will mark Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market and is positioned as a premium “Ultra” tier product above the current Pro models, sources said.
Pricing estimates for the foldable iPhone vary but consistently place the U.S. launch price above $2,000.
Mass production of the iPhone Ultra is projected to begin in late third quarter or early fourth quarter 2025, with Ming-Chi Kuo and supply-chain reports indicating that Foxconn and Samsung Display will play key roles in manufacturing. Kuo noted that Samsung Display is expected to be ready to mass-produce foldable screens for Apple by mid to late 2025, aligning with the timeline for a 2026 release. Some reports suggest that production could start as early as September or October 2025 to ensure sufficient inventory for the fall launch. However, analysts caution that the timeline remains subject to change until Apple finalizes production.
JPMorgan analysts, cited by MacRumors and CNBC, forecast a starting price near $1,999, while UBS and Fubon Research have suggested a range between $1,800 and $2,500. Fubon Research’s higher-end figure of approximately $2,400 reflects the device’s ultra-premium positioning and expected component costs. Bloomberg and Gurman have reported that the device will cost at least $2,000, with some estimates narrowing the likely range to $2,100 to $2,300 in the United States. MacRumors detailed tiered pricing that could see the 256 GB model retail for about $2,320, the 512 GB version at $2,610, and the 1 TB variant reaching $2,900. In China, leaked pricing on Weibo suggests a starting price of RMB 15,999 (roughly $1,999) for 256 GB, rising to RMB 19,999 (about $2,399) for the highest storage tier, according to Macworld.
Analysts expect Apple to maintain a premium price spread between storage configurations, similar to its current Pro models but on a higher base price. Rising component costs and supply-chain pressures could push entry-level pricing closer to $2,400 to $2,500, particularly during initial production runs, sources said. The foldable iPhone’s price will place it above most existing foldable smartphones and some Mac models, reinforcing its role as a flagship halo product rather than a mass-market device.
JPMorgan’s Samik Chatterjee estimates the foldable iPhone could unlock a $65 billion market opportunity for Apple, with potential for high-single-digit earnings growth in the medium term. Analysts describe Apple’s strategy as entering the foldable segment after technology maturity, focusing on ultra-premium pricing rather than competing on cost. The device’s form factor is expected to resemble a book-style fold similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, serving as a showcase for Apple’s new design and display technologies.
While Apple has not made any official announcements regarding the foldable iPhone’s name, release date, or pricing, the consensus among analysts and media outlets such as MacRumors, Engadget, AppleInsider, and Tom’s Guide points to a September 2026 launch with a starting price above $2,000. The device is referred to variously as the iPhone Fold, foldable iPhone, or iPhone Ultra, with “iPhone Ultra” gaining traction as the likely branding for Apple’s first foldable flagship.
Supply-chain sources and analyst notes emphasize that all details remain unofficial and subject to change until Apple issues a formal event invitation and product announcement. The September 2026 launch window aligns with Apple’s traditional annual iPhone event cadence, and the foldable iPhone is expected to be a headline product that signals the company’s entry into a new hardware category.
