There is speculation that Apple's first foldable phone will be named "iPhone Ultra."
Digital Chat Station, a well-known Chinese tipster, recently said on Weibo that there is talk Apple's horizontal foldable device will be released under the name "iPhone Ultra." If this becomes reality, it will be the first time the name "Ultra" is used for iPhone.
Apple has used the word "Ultra" for premium products such as Apple Watch Ultra and high-end models of the M-series chips. The Ultra moniker generally denotes a step above the Pro lineup, emphasizing top-tier features, materials, and performance. Because of this, if Apple uses the name iPhone Ultra for its foldable product, analysts say Apple will position the foldable not simply as a device with a folding feature but as a premium product focused on expanded capabilities. The market estimates that the first foldable iPhone will be priced at more than $1,500–$2,000 (about 2.24 million–3 million won), lending weight to the "Ultra" name as it could become the most expensive iPhone in Apple's history.
An industry official said the Ultra name suggests Apple will market this product not as a mere novelty but as the most advanced model among iPhones released to date, adding that top-tier camera specs, the latest Apple Silicon chip, and enhanced Apple Intelligence AI features are expected to be central.
If Apple uses Ultra in the product name, it would also mean not using the term "Fold," which Samsung has widely used as a pioneer in the foldable phone market. Other brands already use different names for their foldables, including OnePlus Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Open, OPPO Find N-series, and vivo X Fold series. What is interesting is that Android phone makers are also considering attaching the Ultra name to their foldable lineups in development. This appears to be a strategy to set up a direct rivalry with the iPhone Ultra.
Meanwhile, there are conflicting reports on the launch schedule for the foldable iPhone. Bloomberg reported on the 7th that Apple is planning to release its first foldable iPhone in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. However, Bloomberg, citing sources, said the timing is not yet finalized, about six months remain until launch, and mass production has not yet fully begun.
By contrast, Japan's Nikkei reported the same day that a source familiar with the matter said, "More issues than expected arose during the initial test production phase, and additional time will be needed to resolve and adjust them." The report continued, "In the worst case, due to development problems, the first shipment of the foldable iPhone could be delayed by several months."
According to reports so far, Apple's foldable phone is expected to feature an external display of about 5.5 inches and an internal foldable panel measuring 7.6–7.8 inches. The focus will likely be on minimizing or eliminating visible creases when folded and improving durability. iOS 27 is said to support enhanced multitasking features optimized for the unfolded screen.