Apple Foldable iPhone: Everything We Know Before the September 9, 2026 Event

Apple is only days away from its major September 2026 product event, and one device is generating more attention than almost anything else: the company's long-rumored foldable iPhone.

Apple has officially confirmed a special event for September 9, 2026, while multiple reports suggest the company could finally introduce its first foldable smartphone — potentially under the name iPhone Ultra.

What Could Apple's Foldable iPhone Look Like?

The strongest design reports suggest Apple has chosen a book-style foldable rather than a flip-phone design.

When closed, the device would operate like a compact iPhone using an external display. When opened, it would provide a much larger screen closer to a small tablet.

Recent dummy units and concept renders based on leaked dimensions suggest a relatively wide, passport-like shape with a horizontal rear camera area.

Could It Be Called iPhone Ultra?

The official product name remains unknown.

Reports have increasingly referred to the device as the iPhone Ultra, though other names such as “iPhone Fold” have also been used unofficially.

Until Apple makes the announcement, “iPhone Ultra” should therefore be treated as a rumored name rather than a confirmed product title.

A 7.8-Inch Screen That Opens Like a Small iPad

One of the most consistent rumors concerns the display sizes.

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature an approximately 5.5-inch OLED cover display when closed and a much larger 7.8-inch OLED inner display when opened.

Reports suggest the inner screen could use a roughly 4:3 aspect ratio, giving the unfolded device an iPad-like layout.

At 7.8 inches, the internal display would be slightly smaller than an iPad mini but dramatically larger than the screen on a conventional iPhone.

Apple Is Reportedly Focused on Reducing the Foldable Crease

One of the biggest weaknesses of existing foldable phones is the visible crease running through the center of the display.

Apple has reportedly spent years working on the hinge and display technology in an effort to make the crease significantly less noticeable.

Recent rumors are more cautious than earlier claims of a completely invisible crease. Current expectations suggest the fold could still be visible, but potentially less prominent than on many current foldable devices.

How Thin Could the Foldable iPhone Be?

Reports suggest Apple is targeting an extremely thin design, with the device potentially measuring around 4.5 mm per side when opened.

Achieving that thickness would be technically challenging because Apple still needs space for batteries, cameras, the hinge, display components and internal electronics.

A thin profile could nevertheless be critical to making the device comfortable when folded, because the total thickness effectively increases when both halves close together.

Touch ID Could Return

One of the most surprising rumors is that Apple could use Touch ID instead of Face ID on its first foldable iPhone.

The fingerprint sensor is expected to be integrated into the power button, similar to some iPad models.

The reasoning could be related to the challenge of fitting Face ID hardware into an exceptionally thin foldable body.

What Chip Will the Foldable iPhone Use?

The device is widely expected to use a next-generation A20-series processor.

Reports have also suggested as much as 12GB of RAM, although Apple does not typically emphasize RAM specifications when marketing iPhones.

A powerful chip will be particularly important if Apple wants the unfolded display to support advanced multitasking and tablet-style experiences.

Could iOS 27 Be Optimized for the Foldable Display?

A foldable iPhone would require software that can adapt instantly as the user opens and closes the device.

The interface would need to move seamlessly between a smaller outer screen and the much larger internal display.

The larger screen could potentially support improved multitasking, side-by-side apps and layouts closer to those found on the iPad.

However, Apple has not officially detailed foldable-specific iOS features, so the exact software experience remains unknown.

What Cameras Could Apple Use?

Current reports point to a two-camera rear system, potentially arranged horizontally.

A dual-camera design would be unusual for an ultra-premium iPhone if compared with Apple's Pro Max models, but internal space is especially limited inside foldable devices.

Apple may prioritize thinness and battery capacity over fitting a larger three-camera module.

Could MagSafe Be Included?

Recent reports suggest Apple's foldable iPhone is expected to support MagSafe.

Wireless charging in a foldable device is more complicated because of its split internal structure, but MagSafe would allow the phone to remain compatible with Apple's existing ecosystem of chargers and accessories.

How Much Could the Foldable iPhone Cost?

Price could be one of the most controversial aspects of Apple's first foldable.

The Financial Times reported that Apple is preparing a foldable iPhone costing more than $2,000.

Other industry estimates and analyst reports have suggested possible starting prices around $2,299 to $2,499.

None of these prices have been officially confirmed by Apple.

Why Would Apple Enter the Foldable Market Now?

Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturers have already spent years developing foldable smartphones.

Apple has traditionally entered some product categories later than competitors, often focusing on improving usability, hardware refinement and ecosystem integration rather than being first to market.

The foldable category remains relatively small compared with conventional smartphones, which means Apple has an opportunity to significantly increase mainstream interest if its first model proves successful.

The Biggest Challenge: Durability

Foldable devices introduce moving components that traditional smartphones do not have.

The hinge must survive repeated opening and closing, while the flexible OLED panel needs to withstand pressure, dust and long-term use.

Reports suggest Apple has spent years testing foldable technology and has focused heavily on hinge durability and minimizing the display crease.

Could the Foldable iPhone Replace an iPad mini?

The rumored 7.8-inch internal screen places the foldable iPhone surprisingly close to small-tablet territory.

For some users, a device that functions as a normal phone when closed and a small tablet when opened could reduce the need to carry both an iPhone and an iPad mini.

Whether Apple actually positions the product this way will depend heavily on the software experience and multitasking features.

When Will Apple Reveal It?

Apple has officially scheduled its September event for Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

In the United Arab Emirates, Apple lists the event for 9:00 p.m. local time.

The company's invitation uses the phrase “Surprise and shine.”

Reports from Reuters, the Financial Times, The Verge and other technology publications indicate that the foldable iPhone could be one of the most important products unveiled during the event.

When Could the Foldable iPhone Go on Sale?

An announcement on September 9 does not necessarily mean the foldable iPhone will immediately reach stores.

Some supply-chain reports suggest Apple could announce the device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models but begin shipping it later in the year.

Possible timing discussed by analysts ranges from October through the fourth quarter of 2026, with limited early availability also possible.

Apple has not confirmed any release or preorder date for the foldable model.

What We Expect Apple to Reveal on September 9

Is the Foldable iPhone Worth Waiting For?

For most buyers, the answer depends on three factors: price, durability and how well Apple uses the larger screen.

A $2,000-plus starting price would make the foldable iPhone one of the most expensive smartphones on the market.

If Apple delivers a durable hinge, a noticeably reduced display crease and genuinely useful tablet-style software, the device could represent the biggest physical change to the iPhone in years.

If the advantages are mostly visual while the price remains extremely high, it may initially appeal primarily to early adopters and premium Apple customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Apple's first foldable iPhone could become one of the company's biggest hardware changes since the original iPhone introduced the modern touchscreen smartphone.

The rumored combination of a compact outer screen, a 7.8-inch tablet-like inner display, ultra-thin construction and premium hardware could give Apple a serious entry into the growing foldable market.

But the most important details — including the final name, specifications, price and availability — remain unconfirmed until Apple makes its announcement.

With Apple's September 9 event now only days away, we will not have to wait much longer to find out which of the current foldable iPhone rumors are accurate.

NewsHub will update this article after Apple's official announcement.