Apple is widely expected to unveil its long-rumored first foldable iPhone later this year, and a fresh leak suggests the device may carry a somewhat surprising name: iPhone Ultra.
The claim comes from prominent Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, who posted on Weibo today that “rumor has it that Apple’s wide-format foldable device will be named the ‘iPhone Ultra.’”
This would mark the first use of the “Ultra” branding on an iPhone, though Apple has applied the suffix to other premium products, including the rugged Apple Watch Ultra and high-end variants of its M-series chips. The moniker typically signals a clear step above the Pro lineup, emphasizing top-tier features, materials, and performance.
For months, the foldable iPhone has often been referred to in media and rumors as the “iPhone Fold.” However, no official leaks from Apple have confirmed that name, and some observers have questioned it due to potential direct comparisons with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Naming the device iPhone Ultra would allow Apple to position it as a premium, category-defining product focused on expanded capabilities rather than just the folding mechanism.
According to multiple reports, the device is designed as a book-style foldable that opens into a larger, iPad-like display. It is expected to feature an outer screen of approximately 5.5 inches and an inner foldable panel measuring 7.6 to 7.8 inches, with significant emphasis on minimizing or eliminating the visible crease and enhancing overall durability. iOS 27 is reportedly gaining improved multitasking support optimized for the larger unfolded screen.
The foldable is rumored to launch in the fall of 2026, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 series or in a separate event. It is expected to command a premium price tag, with estimates hovering around $2,000 or more, reflecting its positioning as Apple’s most ambitious and expensive iPhone to date.
Recent developments indicate the project is advancing rapidly, with reports that Foxconn has begun trial production. Dummy units leaked online have also provided visual comparisons to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, highlighting the distinct, more compact closed form factor of the foldable.
While the “iPhone Ultra” name aligns with Apple’s pattern of using “Ultra” for its highest-end offerings, the rumor remains unconfirmed. Apple has not commented on the device or its branding, and details could still change before any official announcement.
MacDailyNews Take: If accurate, the iPhone Ultra could represent a major evolution in Apple’s smartphone lineup, blending iPhone portability with iPad-like productivity in a single premium device. The company has been exploring foldable technology for years, and analysts widely view 2026 as the likely window for its debut.
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The should have named it Fold 1 “F1”.
iPhone Ultra is brilliant for a name.
It is an enhanced iPhone, not a new category of device (not something that directly competes against iPad, but might displace some iPads used casually).