iPhone Ultra: New Details Emerge Ahead of Apple’s Foldable iPhone Launch

Apple is just days away from unveiling its first foldable iPhone, and the rumor mill is still producing new details. In a recent interview with Tom’s Guide, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman offered a closer look at what Apple may have planned for the iPhone Ultra, including its displays, hinge, software experience, launch timing and price.

The biggest takeaway is that Apple appears to be treating this as more than a conventional iPhone with a folding screen. The company is reportedly putting considerable effort into durability and software so the larger display feels useful rather than simply novel.

iPhone Ultra could have two very different displays

According to Gurman, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 5.5-inch cover display for everyday use and a much larger 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded.

That design would give users a familiar smartphone experience when the device is closed, while opening it would provide considerably more room for multitasking, browsing and other activities.

The foldable is also expected to use Apple’s latest Pro-level processor and modem, although Gurman did not provide additional specifications in the interview.

Apple is not giving up on MagSafe

One question surrounding Apple's foldable has been whether the thin design would leave enough room for MagSafe. According to Gurman, users apparently will not have to give it up.

He said that all indications point toward MagSafe being included on the foldable iPhone. That could make the device more convenient for users who already rely on Apple's magnetic chargers, stands and other accessories.

The display and hinge are arguably even more interesting. Apple is reportedly targeting a crease that is difficult to notice rather than claiming the fold completely eliminates it. Gurman suggested that the result could be comparable to the latest Samsung foldables, potentially with an advantage from Apple's approach to hinge durability.

Durability is a major priority

Foldable displays have improved considerably, but durability remains one of the biggest concerns for buyers. Apple reportedly knows this and has spent significant time trying to ensure its first foldable can withstand everyday use like other iPhones.

The hinge is expected to use liquid metal, a material that could help Apple create a stronger and more refined folding mechanism. The goal appears to be making the phone durable enough that users do not constantly have to worry about the folding screen.

That matters because Apple's late arrival to the foldable market gives the company a different challenge. Consumers have already seen several generations of folding phones from competitors, so simply being first to market is not Apple's advantage. The hardware needs to feel mature.

iOS 27 could make the larger screen more useful

The biggest reason to buy a foldable is not simply having a larger display. It is being able to do more with that space.

Apple is reportedly adapting iOS 27 for the foldable with iPad-inspired multitasking. Users could potentially run multiple apps side by side and move content between them using drag and drop.

That could make everyday tasks considerably more convenient. Imagine keeping a browser open beside Messages, moving an image from Photos into an email, or dragging information from one app directly into another without repeatedly switching screens.

The larger display could therefore change how people use an iPhone rather than simply making everything bigger.

The iPhone Ultra may arrive sooner than expected

There has been plenty of speculation about whether Apple's first foldable could suffer production delays. Gurman's latest comments offer a more optimistic picture.

He expects the foldable iPhone to launch around the same time as the new Pro models or within a few weeks of them. That makes a long delay into October or November less likely based on his current information.

Apple's September 9 event should therefore answer the biggest remaining questions, including the official name, final specifications and exact release schedule.

Managing content on a foldable iPhone

A larger screen will make activities such as editing photos, browsing albums and working with files more comfortable, but it also means your existing content becomes part of the upgrade equation. Moving years of photos and videos to a new device can be surprisingly time-consuming if everything has to be handled manually.

Smart Transfer can help simplify that transition by providing tools for organizing and moving personal content between supported devices. For example, its photo gallery manager can help you sort through your existing photos before transferring them, making it easier to leave behind duplicates or unwanted images rather than carrying years of digital clutter onto your new phone.

It can also be useful for checking your phone before a major upgrade. A speed test app can help you understand your current connection when downloading large files or setting up a new device, while share me file sharing can provide another practical way to send selected files between compatible devices when you do not need to migrate everything.

Apple’s foldable could be its most ambitious iPhone yet

The iPhone Ultra is shaping up to be an unusually ambitious addition to Apple's smartphone lineup. A 7.8-inch internal display, iPad-style multitasking, MagSafe support and a redesigned hinge would give the device a very different personality from Apple's existing iPhones.

The biggest question is still the price. Gurman continues to expect a starting price of more than $2,000, placing the foldable firmly in premium territory.

That is a lot to ask for a first-generation product, but Apple may be betting that its combination of hardware refinement and software integration will make the price easier to justify.

With the September 9 event approaching, the wait is almost over. Soon, we will find out whether Apple's long-awaited foldable can turn years of speculation into a device people actually want to carry.