iPhone Fold Ultra in a hands-on video: All the details at a glance
Apple is apparently about to enter the foldable smartphone market. Render images, dummy models and a first hands-on video are currently circulating about the rumored iPhone Fold Ultra, which give an impression of where the journey could go.
Compact external, large internal display
The details have not been officially confirmed, but the consistent leaks of the last few weeks and months paint a very clear picture of a high-priced foldable that will launch together with the iPhone 18 series. The iPhone Fold Ultra is intended as a classic “book-style” foldable that can be opened horizontally. On the outside, there will be a compact OLED display measuring around 5.3 to 5.5 inches, which is sufficient for notifications, emails or quick answers. When opened, a significantly larger LTPO OLED screen measuring around 7.7-7.8 inches in 4:3 format is available – in practice it has more of a tablet feel than a smartphone feel, for example for multitasking, videos or games. Talks Daily Tech has now published a hands-on video about it.
Watch on YouTube
Slim profile
For the case, Apple is reportedly using a mix of titanium frame on the outside and aluminum on the inside, supplemented by a flat hinge based on an alloy similar to liquid metal. This allows for a very slim profile. The plan is to have around 4.5 millimeters when open and around 9.5 millimeters when closed. It was said that the iPhone Fold Ultra will initially launch in a white finish, later adding darker variants such as black or gray. The changed button arrangement is also noticeable, for example with the volume buttons moving upwards, which is intended to optimize handling when folded or open. A horizontal dual camera module is provided on the back, including an LED flash and microphone. Apple could forego a noticeable camera bump design like some previous iPhones in favor of simpler lines.
Technology: New SoC and lots of memory
A new Apple chip will work inside the A20 Pro, manufactured using the 2-nanometer process and built in a multi-chip module. The SoC aims to combine high performance and energy efficiency – also with a view to “Apple Intelligence” and parallel AI tasks directly on the device. There is also 12 GB of RAM and storage variants with 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB.
The cameras with a focus on everyday photography
Two 48-megapixel sensors are planned for the main camera: a wide-angle and an ultra-wide-angle. Apple is probably foregoing a telephoto lens in favor of a slimmer housing, which limits the maximum possible zoom performance, but should be sufficient for most scenarios in everyday life. There will be two front cameras for selfies and video calls, a classic punch-hole camera in the cover display and a camera hidden under the display in the inner display so that the large screen does not have a notch or hole.
iPhone Fold: From initial rumors to test production
Battery, operation and biometrics
Apple is also aiming for upper-class standards when it comes to connection technology. Its own 5G modem chip, Wi-Fi 7 and expanded satellite functions are available. This means that the foldable would not only be on the move, but also better connected in remote regions than current iPhones. To power the two displays and the powerful SoC, a split battery with an estimated 5,400 to 5,800 mAh is provided. This would be the largest battery in an iPhone to date.
Touch ID instead of Face ID
When unlocking, a classic could return, namely the Touch ID in the power button. Apple should forego Face ID in this model because the necessary sensors are difficult to accommodate in the thin display units. From an ergonomic point of view, the combination of a side fingerprint sensor and a flat housing would be obvious for a foldable.
Market position: The (presumably) most expensive iPhone
The iPhone Fold Ultra is clearly positioned in the premium segment. Initial estimates put a starting price between $1,999 and $2,200, noticeably higher than the regular top iPhone 18 models. It will be exciting to see how the device compares to established foldables from Samsung, Google or Huawei. Apple is entering the market late, but can take note of the competitors’ mistakes, such as the hinge, the visible crease in the display or the durability of the panel.
But who should use it?
For many iPhone users, the Fold Ultra would be less of a logical upgrade and more of a special form factor for enthusiasts and power users who are willing to pay significantly more money for a flexible device. The foldable will be particularly interesting if Apple really consistently adapts its software to the large inner screen, for example with sensible split view use, optimized gestures and productive scenarios from video editing to taking notes. The expected launch in September 2026 along with the iPhone 18 series would officially bring Apple into the foldables segment. Would a foldable iPhone be a more exciting tablet replacement for you personally or would it simply be too expensive to replace the classic form factor? See also:
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