Apple iPhone Ultra Could Launch In September With Foldable Design: iPhone 18 Pro Price, Specs, Release Date And Everything We Know

Apple could be preparing for one of the biggest product launches in its history. According to multiple reports and industry leaks, the company is expected to unveil its first-ever foldable iPhone - likely to be called the Apple iPhone Ultra - during its annual September event. The new premium device is also expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, introducing a new flagship category for Apple users.

Although Apple has not officially confirmed the launch, analysts believe the company is finally ready to enter the foldable smartphone market after years of speculation. If the rumours prove accurate, the iPhone Ultra could become Apple's most expensive and technologically advanced smartphone ever.

Apple September Event Could Be Held On September 8 Or 9

Industry reports suggest Apple may host its annual iPhone launch event on September 8 or September 9, 2026.

If Apple follows its usual schedule, pre-orders are expected to begin on September 10 or September 11, while the official sale could start approximately one week later in major global markets.

The event is expected to showcase the entire iPhone 18 lineup, with the foldable iPhone Ultra likely becoming the biggest attraction.

Apple iPhone Ultra Could Become The Company's Most Premium Smartphone

The iPhone Ultra is expected to represent an entirely new product category for Apple.

Unlike the existing Pro and Pro Max models, the Ultra is rumoured to feature a foldable display, premium construction, advanced multitasking capabilities, and Apple's latest hardware innovations.

The device could compete directly with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, Google's Pixel Fold lineup, and other premium foldable smartphones.

Apple is reportedly focusing on creating a foldable device that combines productivity, portability, and durability while maintaining its signature design language.

Expected Price Of Apple iPhone Ultra

According to current leaks, the Apple iPhone Ultra could start at approximately USD 2,000, translating to around ₹1.88 lakh before taxes.

Considering import duties, GST, and Apple's premium pricing strategy in India, the foldable iPhone could easily cross the ₹2 lakh mark after launch. If priced accordingly, it would become one of the most expensive smartphones Apple has ever sold in India.

iPhone 18 Pro May Also Get A Major Price Hike

The iPhone 18 Pro is also expected to become more expensive than previous generations.

Reports suggest the device could start at around USD 1,399, compared to the approximately USD 1,099 starting price of the current-generation iPhone 17 Pro. Industry analysts believe increasing costs of memory chips, storage components, and AI-related hardware are contributing to Apple's expected price revisions.

Apple recently increased prices across several MacBook and iPad models, making similar adjustments for its flagship smartphones increasingly likely.

Expected Specifications Of Apple iPhone Ultra

The foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to introduce several completely new hardware features for Apple smartphones. Reports indicate the device could feature an ultra-thin body measuring approximately 4.5 mm when unfolded, making it one of the slimmest foldable devices available.

Apple is also reportedly developing a redesigned hinge mechanism aimed at minimizing the visible crease on the folding display. The phone may include a horizontally aligned dual-camera system, Apple's Camera Control button, and a large foldable display optimized for productivity and multitasking.

Split-screen functionality is expected to play a major role, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously on the larger internal screen.

iPhone 18 Pro Expected Features

While the iPhone Ultra introduces a new design, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain Apple's familiar flagship appearance with several internal upgrades.

Both devices are likely to be powered by Apple's next-generation A20 processor and ship with iOS 27 pre-installed. Although camera resolutions may remain largely unchanged, Apple is reportedly working on introducing a variable aperture system for the main camera.

This technology would allow better exposure control, improved low-light photography, enhanced depth-of-field effects, and more natural-looking background blur during video recording. New color options are also expected for the Pro lineup.

Apple To Focus Heavily On AI And Performance

Artificial Intelligence is expected to become one of the biggest highlights of Apple's next-generation smartphones.

The A20 chipset will likely offer improved AI processing capabilities, enabling faster on-device intelligence, enhanced Siri features, smarter photography, and more efficient battery management.

Apple is expected to continue expanding its Apple Intelligence ecosystem introduced in previous software updates, with deeper integration across apps and system functions.

The increased processing requirements for these AI capabilities are also believed to be one of the reasons behind rising hardware costs.

Competition In The Foldable Smartphone Market

If Apple launches the iPhone Ultra this year, it will enter one of the fastest-growing premium smartphone categories.

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is rumoured to measure around 4.2 mm when unfolded.

Google, Honor, Huawei, OnePlus, and several Chinese manufacturers have also expanded their foldable smartphone portfolios over the past few years.

Apple's entry into this segment is expected to significantly increase competition while potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of foldable devices.

Everything Is Still Based On Leaks

Despite growing excitement, Apple has not officially confirmed the existence of the iPhone Ultra.

The expected pricing, launch schedule, hardware specifications, and design details are all based on industry reports, analyst predictions, and supply chain leaks.

Apple traditionally keeps product information confidential until its official launch event, meaning several details could still change before September.

Consumers should therefore treat current information as speculation until Apple makes an official announcement.

Final Thoughts

The Apple iPhone Ultra could mark one of the company's biggest innovations since the launch of the original iPhone. If the rumours prove accurate, Apple will finally enter the foldable smartphone market with an ultra-premium device designed to compete directly with the industry's best foldable phones.

Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, the new iPhone Ultra is expected to showcase Apple's latest advancements in hardware, artificial intelligence, camera technology, and productivity. While its expected price may place it beyond the reach of many buyers, it could redefine Apple's flagship smartphone lineup and set a new benchmark for premium mobile devices.