Apple is ready to change its smartphone lineup. The company will launch its first foldable phone, the “iPhone Ultra.” This premium device will be shown at the “Surprise and Shine” event on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The event takes place at Apple Park in California at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. It marks a big change for the company. New CEO John Ternus will host his first major presentation. He replaces Tim Cook, who was CEO for 15 years.
A Change in Release Plans
There have been many leaks about the supply chain and software before this event. Apple is also changing how it releases phones. The standard iPhone 18 is delayed until spring 2027. Now, Apple is focusing its fall event entirely on expensive, premium phones.
This includes the foldable iPhone Ultra and the iPhone 18 Pro series. Apple expects huge interest from buyers. Because of this, the company increased its early production orders. They originally planned to make 7 to 8 million folding phones, but now they have ordered 10 million.
A New Design and Display
The iPhone Ultra folds like a book. It looks more like a small, folding iPad than a normal phone. When it is closed, it has a 5.4 to 5.5-inch OLED cover screen. When you open it, you see a large 7.8-inch OLED inner screen.
Extreme Thinness and Durability
To build this, Apple had to make the phone very thin. When opened, it is only 4.5 millimeters thick. When closed, it is about 9 to 9.5 millimeters thick.
Folding screens can break easily. To fix this, Apple used a strong liquid-metal hinge and a glass frame. The screen still has a small crease in the middle. But Apple is using a special clear glue to hide micro-cracks. This makes the crease almost invisible when you use the phone every day.
Missing Features
Making the phone so thin caused some problems. There is no space for the Face ID camera. So, Apple removed Face ID. Instead, they put a Touch ID sensor in the side power button.
Apple also tested a short Apple Pencil that attached to the side with magnets. But they canceled it. They worried it would scratch the soft inner screen. They also knew it would easily fall off in people’s pockets.
Cameras and New Hardware
The thin 4.5-millimeter body also changed the cameras. The back of the phone does not have a zoom (telephoto) lens. It only has two cameras: a 48-megapixel Wide lens and a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens.
No Dynamic Island
Leaks show the iPhone Ultra will not have the Dynamic Island. Screen protectors leaked by insiders show weird camera spots. The cover screen’s camera hole is in the top-right corner. This is a first for Apple.
The inside 24-megapixel camera is pushed far to the side. This keeps it away from the central folding hinge.
| Component | iPhone Ultra Rumored Specifications |
| Processor | Apple A20 Pro (2nm) |
| Memory | 12GB RAM |
| Inner / Cover Display | 7.8-inch OLED / 5.4 to 5.5-inch OLED |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 120.6 × 167.6 × 4.5–4.8 mm |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 120.6 × 83.8 × 9.0–9.6 mm |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP Wide, 48MP Ultra Wide (No Telephoto) |
| Front Cameras | Dual 24MP (Top-right cover, side-mounted inner) |
| Biometrics | Touch ID (Side Power Button) |
| Battery Capacity | ~4,883 mAh to 5,800 mAh (Split cell) |
| Connectivity | Apple C2 Modem (Satellite capability) |
Faster Processing
The phone uses Apple’s new A20 Pro processor. It is built on a 2-nanometer design. This makes it 18 percent faster and 30 percent better at saving battery than the A19 Pro.
It comes with 12 gigabytes of RAM to handle Siri AI tasks. The phone is also expected to support MagSafe charging for its large battery.
Software Features and iOS 27
The iPhone Ultra is very expensive, so Apple made special software for it in iOS 27. Test versions of the software show code for “fold state” and “angle degrees.” This means the phone knows how far open the hinge is.
This allows a split-screen mode. You can fold the phone halfway to put touch controls on the bottom and a video on the top.
iPad-Style Multitasking
Crucially, the iPhone Ultra might be the only iPhone that can run two apps side-by-side. This is like how an iPad works.
By keeping this feature only on the foldable phone, Apple makes it better for working. Heavy users will need to buy the Ultra to get this feature. At a recent event, Apple told app makers to design apps that can change size easily for these new screens.
Accessory Leaks and Colors
People have leaked many details before the event. A case maker named ESR Tech posted a video of a fake iPhone Ultra inside their new cases. This broke Apple’s strict secret rules. The video showed a black iPhone Ultra and a Dark Cherry iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Debunking Color Rumors
People argued a lot about the phone’s colors. A leaker showed pictures of a red iPhone Ultra, but reporter Mark Gurman said it was fake.
Gurman said Apple will not make a red folding phone. Those pictures were actually of a different phone from Xiaomi. The iPhone Ultra will likely come in simple colors like black, white, silver, and dark gray.
Price, Pre-orders, and Other Devices
The iPhone Ultra is expected to start at $1,999. It could cost up to $2,500 if you want more storage space.
Since September 11 is a Friday, Apple will not open pre-orders that day. Instead, you can pre-order the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro on Saturday, September 12. The phones will be in stores on September 18.
The iPhone 18 Pro Upgrades
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will also get updates. They will have better screens and a smaller Dynamic Island. They will also get a new camera lens that takes better photos in low light.
The Camera Control button will change back to a normal button. Because parts cost more, the Pro phones will be $100 to $300 more expensive this year.
More Apple Announcements
Apple will also show the Apple Watch Series 12 and a new Apple Watch Ultra 4. There will be new AirPods 5, too. Finally, Apple might show a new smart home screen for its updated Siri AI.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the iPhone Ultra release date?
Apple will reveal the phone on September 9, 2026. Pre-orders will start on Saturday, September 12, and the phone will be available in stores on September 18.
How much will the iPhone Ultra cost?
The starting price is expected to be $1,999. If you want a model with more storage, it could cost up to $2,500.
Will the iPhone Ultra have Face ID?
No. The phone is too thin to fit the Face ID camera parts. Instead, it will use a Touch ID sensor built into the side power button.
What colors does the iPhone Ultra come in?
It will come in simple, professional colors like black, white, silver, and dark gray. Rumors about a red version were proven to be fake.
Can the iPhone Ultra run two apps at once?
Yes. It is expected to be the only iPhone with real split-screen multitasking. You will be able to run two apps side-by-side, similar to how an iPad works.
