Loading article…
Apple is set to unveil its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, at a September 9 event. With prices starting at $2,000, it marks a major product shift.
Apple will host its annual product keynote on September 9 at 10am PDT, where the company is expected to debut its first foldable device, the iPhone Ultra, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup [1]. This launch marks the first major hardware event under new CEO John Ternus and represents the most significant form-factor change for the iPhone in nearly two decades [1].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 9, 2026 |
| Expected Foldable Price | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Internal Display | ~7.8 inches |
| CEO | John Ternus |
The iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a book-style design with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen [1]. While the device is designed to compete in the premium market, reports suggest it may lack the full suite of iPad-like multitasking features, focusing instead on side-by-side app layouts [2]. Pricing is projected to start at $2,000, with high-end storage configurations potentially reaching $3,000 [2]. These figures place the device significantly above the standard iPhone 18 Pro models, signaling a new, ultra-premium tier in Apple’s hardware strategy [2].
Technical rumors surrounding the device include the use of an A20 Pro chip, an in-house modem, and a hinge mechanism potentially constructed from liquid metal to minimize screen creasing [1, 2]. Despite the anticipated announcement, the device may not be available for immediate purchase; analysts suggest a retail release could be delayed until later in the fall, similar to the staggered launch of the iPhone X in 2017 [2]. Production constraints are also a factor, with reports indicating that initial manufacturing could be 30% to 40% slower than the iPhone 17’s output [2].
The introduction of a foldable iPhone arrives as the company attempts to capture a segment of the market currently dominated by rivals like Samsung, Google, and Motorola [2]. While foldable phones currently represent a small fraction of global sales, IDC analysts estimate that Apple’s entry could boost global foldable sales by 19% in 2026, with the company potentially capturing 24% of the market share [2].
The event also serves as a strategic pivot for Apple’s release calendar. By focusing the September keynote on high-end, experimental hardware, the company appears to be separating its premium offerings from more affordable models, such as the rumored iPhone Air, which are expected to arrive in the spring of 2027 [1].
Whether the iPhone Ultra becomes a mainstream success or remains a high-priced niche product will serve as the first major test of the company's direction under CEO John Ternus [1]. The success of the device hinges on whether Apple can overcome the durability and crease concerns that have historically defined the foldable category [1, 2].
Coverage is mostly measured — 298 of 300 reports stay neutral.
Every Monday — the token unlocks, Fed dates & catalysts set to move crypto and markets this week. So you’re never blindsided.
Free · 3-min read · one-click unsubscribe
AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 2 outlets · Sep 10, 2026 · How we report
The foldable iPhone is expected to have a starting price between $2,000 and $2,200. Higher storage configurations for the device may push the cost north of $3,000.
Apple has not officially confirmed the technical specifications for the foldable iPhone. Rumors suggest the device may feature an A-series chip and a 7.8-inch display, but these details remain unverified by the company.
The foldable iPhone was presented by CEO John Ternus at the Steve Jobs Theater during a launch event. Reports indicate that while the device was unveiled, it may face a staggered release schedule similar to the 2017 iPhone X launch.