
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is now expected to arrive at the company’s September 9 event, and the latest iPhone Ultra leak reveals a feature many thought Apple might have to sacrifice: MagSafe charging. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the magnetic charging system is likely to make it onto the ultra-thin foldable.
That is particularly interesting because leaked dummy units previously failed to show the familiar MagSafe ring. Gurman believes Apple can still make it work after fitting MagSafe into the extremely slim iPhone Air. The foldable is rumored to measure just 4.5mm when unfolded, making the charging system an impressive engineering challenge.
iPhone Ultra Rumored Specifications
| Specification | iPhone Ultra / Foldable iPhone |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | September 9, 2026 |
| Expected Price | Around $2,000–$2,500 |
| Cover Display | 5.5-inch |
| Inner Display | 7.8-inch flexible display |
| Display Type | Foldable OLED, rumored |
| Unfolded Thickness | Around 4.5mm |
| Processor | Latest Apple Pro chip, rumored A20 Pro |
| Modem | Latest Apple modem, rumored C2 |
| Rear Cameras | Dual-camera setup |
| Main Camera | 48MP, rumored |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP, rumored |
| Telephoto Camera | No, according to current reports |
| Front Cameras | Dual 24MP cameras, rumored |
| Biometrics | Touch ID rumored instead of Face ID |
| Battery | Around 4,883mAh, rumored |
| Charging | USB-C + MagSafe rumored |
| Software | iOS 27 |
| Hinge | Durable liquid-metal hinge, rumored |
| Weight | Around 229–240g, rumored |
| Expected Colors | Silver, black/dark gray, possible blue variant |
MagSafe Could Be the Surprise Feature
MagSafe support has been one of the biggest question marks surrounding Apple’s foldable. Earlier dummy models reportedly did not show the recognizable magnetic ring, raising speculation that the company had removed the feature to save internal space.
Mark Gurman has now indicated that MagSafe is likely to be included. His reasoning is straightforward: Apple has already managed to integrate the technology into the exceptionally thin iPhone Air, so the same engineering challenge may be possible on the foldable.
That would make the iPhone Ultra more practical for existing Apple users. MagSafe accessories, chargers, stands and other compatible products could potentially work without forcing owners to abandon the ecosystem.
A 4.5mm Foldable Is the Real Engineering Story
The reported 4.5mm thickness when unfolded could be one of the phone’s biggest selling points. Apple is apparently aiming for a device that feels remarkably thin while still offering a large tablet-like display.
The foldable is expected to use a passport-style design rather than the taller proportions seen on some conventional book-style foldables. Reports put the cover display at roughly 5.5 inches and the internal flexible screen at 7.8 inches.
When closed, the two halves would naturally create a considerably thicker profile. Current reports suggest roughly 9–10mm when folded, although Apple’s final dimensions could differ from these leaked figures.
7.8-inch Inner Screen Targets Tablet Users
The 7.8-inch internal display could be the biggest reason to buy the iPhone Ultra. Once opened, the device would provide substantially more workspace than a conventional iPhone while remaining compact enough to carry like a smartphone.
Apple is also reportedly preparing iOS 27 to make better use of the larger canvas. Gurman has described app resizing and multitasking improvements, including the ability to move content between applications with drag-and-drop functionality.
This could make the foldable more than a larger screen for watching videos. Apple appears to be positioning it as a hybrid phone and productivity device.
The Crease May Be Less Noticeable
Foldable displays have improved significantly, but the crease remains one of the most visible compromises. Apple reportedly wants to reduce that weakness with a redesigned hinge.
Current reports point toward a durable liquid-metal hinge, with the internal display expected to have a crease that is still visible but potentially less distracting than on competing foldables. Gurman reportedly described Apple’s durability target as being close to that of its conventional iPhones.
That matters because Apple is entering a category where Samsung has already spent years refining hinge and display technology.
Dual Cameras Instead of a Pro-Level Camera System
The iPhone Ultra is not expected to match the camera hardware of Apple’s highest-end traditional iPhone. Current leaks point toward two rear cameras: a main wide camera and an ultra-wide camera.
A telephoto lens is reportedly absent, which would be an unusual compromise for a smartphone carrying an Ultra name and a rumored price above $2,000. Some reports currently point to 48MP sensors for both rear cameras.
Apple may be making this trade-off because the foldable chassis leaves less internal space for a larger multi-camera system. The company could instead focus on computational photography and the advantages of its next-generation processor.
Touch ID Could Replace Face ID
Another major rumored change is the biometric system. The iPhone Ultra may not include Face ID and could instead use Touch ID integrated into the side button.
That would be a significant departure from Apple’s current flagship iPhone design. The reported change appears to be linked to the extremely thin body and the difficulty of fitting Face ID hardware into the foldable’s compact structure.
If accurate, Apple would be prioritizing the foldable form factor over maintaining every feature found on its Pro models.
A20 Pro Chip Could Give It Serious Performance
Performance is expected to remain a major advantage for Apple. Reports indicate the foldable will use the company’s latest Pro-class chip, with several current leaks identifying it as the A20 Pro.
The same rumors also point toward Apple’s latest modem, potentially the C2. If those details are accurate, Apple would not be treating its first foldable as a lower-performance experiment. Instead, the device could deliver flagship-level processing alongside its flexible display.
The combination of new silicon and iOS 27 could also help Apple handle multitasking across the two display states more efficiently.
Battery Capacity Could Be Around 4,883mAh
Battery design is another area where foldables require careful engineering. Current reports suggest the iPhone Ultra could use a dual-cell battery configuration with a combined capacity of roughly 4,883mAh.
A split battery would make sense for a folding chassis because battery cells can be distributed between the two halves of the device. The final capacity and endurance, however, will remain unknown until Apple provides official specifications.
MagSafe support would add another layer of convenience, particularly for users who already rely on wireless charging accessories throughout the Apple ecosystem.
iPhone Ultra Price Could Cross $2,000
Price may be the biggest barrier for potential buyers. Earlier expectations placed Apple’s foldable around the $2,000 mark, but newer reports suggest the final price could reach $2,400–$2,500 depending on production and component costs.
That would make the iPhone Ultra dramatically more expensive than the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Apple would therefore need to convince buyers that the foldable experience offers enough value to justify the premium.
For comparison, Samsung has already established its foldable lineup across multiple generations. Apple will be entering the market later, but its huge installed iPhone user base could give the category a major boost.
iPhone Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold 8
The most obvious competitor will be Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. Both devices are expected to use a book-style folding design, large internal displays and premium hinges.
Apple could have an advantage in ecosystem integration, processor performance and software optimization. Samsung, meanwhile, has years of experience with foldable hardware and already offers mature multitasking features.
The reported iPhone Ultra could also be thinner when unfolded, although Samsung’s latest foldables have already pushed thickness and hinge design significantly forward.
September 9 Launch Looks Increasingly Likely
Apple has officially scheduled its major September event for September 9, 2026. The company is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, while multiple reports now point toward the foldable arriving at the same event or very close to it.
Mark Gurman has reportedly said he would be very surprised if the foldable were pushed as late as October or November. That makes the September launch window increasingly credible, although Apple has not officially confirmed the foldable iPhone itself.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is shaping up to be less about simply copying existing foldables and more about squeezing familiar iPhone features into an unusually thin design. MagSafe, a 7.8-inch display, powerful Apple silicon and a redesigned hinge could make it one of the company’s most ambitious iPhones yet.
The biggest question is whether Apple can deliver that experience without compromises becoming too obvious—and whether buyers will accept a rumored $2,000-plus price. With September 9 approaching, we may not have to wait much longer for the answer.

Zawar Alam is a passionate technology and mobile phone content writer with years of experience covering the latest smartphones, gadgets, apps, and tech trends. He specializes in delivering accurate news, detailed specifications, feature comparisons, and helpful buying guides. His goal is to provide readers with clear, reliable, and up-to-date information to help them make informed technology decisions. Through his work, he stays committed to tracking the fast-changing world of mobile technology and consumer electronics.


























