Home · Technology · Sep 7 archive
Foldable 'iPhone Ultra' Lacks Key Features, Set for September Launch
Confirmed
In Short: Apple is set to unveil its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, at an event on September 9, but the device is expected to lack some features and face supply constraints.
The expected iPhone Ultra, rumored to be Apple's first foldable device, is set to make its debut at the company's September 9 event, according to reports. However, the device is likely to be missing several key features, including a full tablet-like experience and the iPad's functionality. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also suggests that the iPhone Ultra may not be available for sale until later in the year, similar to the iPhone X launch in 2017.
Despite these limitations, the iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a 7.8-inch foldable display, which is larger than the standard iPhone models. Additionally, the device will include MagSafe, a feature that has been integrated into the iPhone Air, according to Gurman. The iPhone Ultra is expected to start at a price point above $2,000, with a price increase of $200 to $300 compared to the iPhone 18 Pro, which starts at $1,099. This pricing suggests that the iPhone Ultra will be positioned as a premium device, catering to users who value a larger display and a unique foldable design.
Apple's foldable iPhone plans extend beyond the first-generation model, with development of a second-generation iPhone Ultra already underway. This indicates that Apple is treating the foldable as a long-term product line rather than a one-off addition to the iPhone family. The early testing suggests that the foldable iPhone could quickly develop into a permanent premium tier alongside the traditional iPhone Pro lineup.
While the iPhone Ultra will offer a larger display than the Pro models, it may not provide the same functionality as an iPad. The device is expected to have a sleek, Air-inspired design that is more comfortable in the hand than the bulkier Pro models. However, the foldable screen, which is mostly made out of plastic, is likely to suffer from glare and fingerprint issues, similar to other foldable phones. Despite these drawbacks, the iPhone Ultra is expected to excel in its software experience, earning its 'Ultra' branding through a superior user interface and features.
In conclusion, the iPhone Ultra is set to be a significant addition to Apple's lineup, but it will come with its own set of compromises and limitations. The device is expected to launch at an event on September 9, with a price point above $2,000 and a larger display than the Pro models. While the foldable design and MagSafe integration are notable features, the iPhone Ultra may not fully replicate the functionality of an iPad, and its plastic screen could lead to issues with glare and fingerprints.
What's confirmed
- So, if you’re an Apple user and you’re buying into the iPhone Ultra hype, maybe keep reading before you pre-order it.
What's still developing
- Fri Sep 04 2026, 07:18 AM EDT · 1 minute read The expected iPhone Ultra is still believed to be announced at the September 9 event, but supplies may be extremely constrained.
- While the inside of the iPhone foldable will have a near tablet-sized 7.8-inch display, it may not have all the functionality of an iPad, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman recently told Yahoo Tech.
- Speaking in an interview with Tom's Guide, Gurman said "all indications that I've heard is that MagSafe is in for this foldable phone," pointing to the fact that Apple managed to fit the magnet array into the iPhone Air.
- The iPhone 17 keeps its simple design mostly intact, but features sharper cameras, a larger and smoother display, and a quicker chip with more storage than previous models.
- He began reporting on Apple's foldable work more than five years ago, and he wrote in March that iOS 27 would add iPad-style side-by-side apps with drag and drop between them.
- Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: Introduced in 2007 by Steve Jobs, iPhone is Appl… Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more.
- Apple has three new flagship iPhones launching next week: iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and iPhone Ultra.
- As a result, it will be the better choice for anyone wanting the largest iPhone screen.