Surprise! Apple might not release an iPhone Fold this fall.
Wait, it’s a joke. Sort of. It’s still virtually certain that Apple will introduce a folding handset in a few months. However, it reportedly won’t be named what everyone expects. A reliable source says the real name is (drum roll) … iPhone Ultra.
iPhone Ultra rumors: Apple’s first foldable?
While there’s never been an iPhone Ultra before, Apple previously used the term in its product names. There’s no better example than the Apple Watch Ultra. And there’s an Ultra variant of the M-series processors.
So far, the company has used the term to indicate that the products are a clear step above its “Pro” lineup. And that’s exactly what it would be doing with an iPhone Ultra.
Word of the possible name comes from a well-known leaker who goes by Digital Chat Station in a post on the Chinese social media site Weibo.
“Rumor has it that Apple’s wide-format foldable device will be named the ‘iPhone Ultra,'” Digital Chat Station wrote.
Doing the unexpected … sort of
While rumors about Apple’s upcoming foldable handset sometimes call it the iPhone Fold, there have been no leaks from Cupertino to indicate that’s the actual name. And there’s always been room for doubt that Apple would choose the obvious.
The company already faces accusations that its foldable simply follows in the footsteps of Samsung, which has made folding Android devices for years with the name Galaxy Z Fold. Giving the first folding iPhone a very similar name would only invite additional comparisons.
iPhone Ultra emphasizes performance over design
If Apple really does choose “iPhone Ultra,” it will emphasize the experience of using the handset rather than the form factor. “Fold” calls attention to the hinge or flexible screen, while “Ultra” leans into ideas like expanded display area, iPad-style multitasking and other premium features.
That said, the decision carries some risk. A more abstract name could confuse consumers who have grown accustomed to clear, descriptive branding in the foldable category.
Still, Apple is brilliant at marketing. After the likely blizzard of ads trumpeting the iPhone Ultra, a consumer would have to be fairly clueless if they still go looking for an iPhone Fold.
More about the folding iPhone
No matter the name, rumors suggest Apple’s first folding iPhone is being designed as a premium, book-style device that unfolds into a larger, iPad-like display, with a strong focus on minimizing the visible crease and improving durability compared to existing foldables.
Two touchscreens can be expected: an outer one about 5.5 inches, and an inner foldable one that measures 7.6 to 7.8 inches. Reports also point to iOS 27 gaining much better support for multitasking on a larger screen.
Apple reportedly plans to launch the iPhone Ultra this fall. Recent rumors indicate Apple might — or might not — be facing some intense technical challenges as it races to finish up final testing of the folding phone.
The device will supposedly share another feature with other “Ultra” products from Apple: It’ll almost undoubtedly be the most expensive option for iPhone shoppers. Rumors indicate it will cost somewhere around $2,000.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That’s because he’s a “tablet first” type of guy. Rather than use a Macbook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don’t try to tell him that everyone has to use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
