Apple is set to reveal its first foldable smartphone, widely anticipated as the iPhone Ultra, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series during its upcoming hardware keynote at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino. The event, titled "Surprise and shine," marks a pivotal moment for the technology giant as it enters the foldable device market under incoming CEO John Ternus, who takes the helm following Tim Cook's transition.
The high-stakes hardware showcase will feature a streamlined product slate, with standard entry-level models reportedly postponed to spring 2027 amid ongoing component and memory cost pressures. Analysts note that Apple's strategic shift toward premium devices reflects a broader industry trend of prioritizing higher-margin hardware to navigate escalating global manufacturing expenses.
Foldable iPhone Ultra Specifications and Design
The highly anticipated iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a book-style form factor equipped with an expansive 7.8-inch inner OLED display and a 5.5-inch outer cover screen. According to supply-chain reports and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device is projected to measure approximately 4.5mm in thickness when unfolded, utilizing a liquid-metal hinge mechanism designed to enhance structural durability.
Despite its ultra-thin profile, Gurman reported that Apple is expected to retain MagSafe wireless charging support on the foldable device, enabling users to continue utilizing existing magnetic accessories. The Ultra is rumored to carry a starting price of around $2,000, powered by Apple's upcoming A20 Pro chipset, and will feature Touch ID authentication alongside a multi-camera configuration lacking a telephoto lens.
iPhone 18 Pro Lineup and Hardware Overhauls
Alongside the foldable device, Apple will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, which feature subtle design refinements including a smaller Dynamic Island cutout. The hardware overhaul includes a unified single-tone back glass finish and a new color palette consisting of Silver, Sky Blue, and a rich maroon shade known as Dark Cherry.
Under the hood, the Pro models will debut Apple's A20 and A20 Pro processors built on TSMC's advanced 2nm process technology. The devices will also incorporate the new C2 modem to expand 5G satellite internet capabilities, paired with a standardized 12GB of RAM across the Pro lineup to eliminate previous memory disparities between base and tier variants.
Camera Innovations and Battery Capacity
Photography capabilities on the iPhone 18 Pro series are receiving some of the most significant upgrades in the product's history. Samsung has reportedly supplied a new three-layer stacked image sensor designed to reduce noise and boost dynamic range, while the 48-megapixel Fusion camera will introduce a variable aperture system.
Battery performance is also slated for improvement, with the Pro Max model housing a larger 5,100 to 5,200 mAh battery to support advanced connectivity features. To streamline manufacturing complexity, Apple is also introducing pressure-sensing Camera Control buttons that eliminate the need for a separate capacitive layer.
Pricing Pressures and Market Strategy
Industry analysts point out that global memory shortages and rising component expenses are fundamentally reshaping smartphone economics. Nabila Popal, senior director of data and analytics at IDC, told WIRED that "the days of the cheap smartphone are over," noting that manufacturers are increasingly relying on premiumization and aggressive trade-in structures.
To cushion the financial impact of premium devices such as the $2,000 iPhone Ultra, Apple recently introduced device leasing and enhanced trade-in programs. These initiatives aim to maintain upgrade cycles as upfront hardware costs climb across the broader consumer electronics sector.
Software Ecosystem and iOS 27 Integration
The hardware launches will coincide with the official rollout of iOS 27, which introduces the long-awaited debut of Siri AI powered by Apple Intelligence. The overhauled assistant features its own dedicated application, contextual awareness across user emails and calendars, and deeper system integration.
Additional software enhancements include Visual Intelligence for camera-based queries, advanced AI photo editing tools such as Spatial Reframing and Clean Up, and a reimagined Shortcuts application. Pre-orders for the new hardware lineup are rumored to begin on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
