Apple Inc. is developing its first foldable smartphone, referred to as the iPhone Ultra Fold, according to prototype reports [1, 2, 3].
The move marks a significant shift in Apple's hardware strategy as the company seeks to enter the foldable market and eliminate the screen crease common in competing devices [1, 4].
Early details emerged through a dummy unit video that provides a 10-minute tour of the prototype [2]. The footage offers a look at the device's wide design, allowing for comparisons against the Pixel Fold and the iPad Pro [2]. Observers noted a serious wobble issue with the prototype's hinge mechanism [2].
Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone Ultra Fold during its September 2026 keynote event [4]. This presentation is likely to take place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California [4].
The company is reportedly prioritizing a design that can "kill the crease," a persistent hardware challenge for foldable displays [1, 4]. By addressing this specific engineering hurdle, Apple aims to maintain a competitive edge over other manufacturers who have already released foldable handsets [1, 4].
While the dummy unit provides a physical approximation of the final product, the internal specifications remain unconfirmed. The current focus of the leaked footage remains on the exterior chassis and the folding action of the screen [2, 3].
“Apple aims to enter the foldable-phone market and “kill the crease” to stay ahead of competition.”
Apple's entry into the foldable market suggests a strategic pivot to recapture growth in a maturing smartphone sector. By focusing on removing the screen crease, Apple is attempting to position the Ultra Fold as a premium, refined alternative to existing foldables, potentially bridging the gap between the iPhone and the iPad Pro for power users.
