Speculation continues to build around Apple's rumored first foldable smartphone, though Apple has yet to officially announce anything. While earlier reports referred to it as the "iPhone Fold," newer rumors suggest Apple may brand it the "iPhone Ultra", allegedly creating a new tier above the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. We rounded up the latest industry chatter about what Apple's potential foldable device might bring.

Rumored Form Factor & Build: The "Passport" Design

Apple's potential foldable device is rumored to adopt a book-style design that opens into a wide 4:3, passport-style canvas resembling an iPad mini. Reports indicate an exceptionally slim build, measuring between 4.5 mm and 4.8 mm unfolded, and 9.0 mm to 9.5 mm folded. Construction allegedly centers on premium materials, combining a rigid titanium frame with an advanced liquid metal alloy hinge designed to minimize inner display creasing.

The Trade-Offs: Potential Compromises and Omissions

Touch ID Instead of Face ID: Unconfirmed reports suggest the device's ultra-thin chassis leaves insufficient depth for complex TrueDepth sensor modules. Instead, Apple may integrate a Touch ID sensor directly into the power button, similar to the iPad mini and iPad Air.

No Telephoto Lens: To maintain its slim profile, the foldable could reportedly forfeit optical zoom, relying solely on dual 48MP Wide and Ultra Wide rear cameras.

Battery Life & Internal Powerhouse

Reports suggest the device could feature a record-breaking 5,500 mAh battery, allegedly the largest ever placed in an iPhone, to support its expanded form factor. To handle the increased power demands, Apple's upcoming 2nm A20 Pro chip is expected to deliver major efficiency gains, allowing the system to seamlessly power dual displays and heavy multi-window workloads without sacrificing long-term battery health.

Price Tag & Target Audience: Who Is the $2,500 iPhone Ultra For?

Reports suggest the iPhone Ultra could carry an estimated starting price between $2,000 and $2,500, positioning it as an exclusive halo product rather than a mainstream replacement for the Pro Max line. While steep, this price point approaches the combined cost of buying two separate flagship devices, a top-tier cellular iPad mini ($1,050) plus a flagship Pro iPhone ($1,000 to $1,200).

Apple is reportedly targeting tech enthusiasts, digital nomads, and power users willing to pay a premium for a single pocketable device that bridges both worlds. Ultimately, the true value of this new form factor won't be clear until everyday users get it into their hands.

Will it be named the "iPhone Fold" or the "iPhone Ultra"? Will a foldable model actually hit the market this year? For now, these details remain rooted in rumors and industry assumptions. The only people who know for certain are the product teams in Cupertino.

As we look ahead, tech enthusiasts can only anticipate what Apple will ultimately deliver and hope the reality lives up to, or even exceeds, the hype and when you're ready to upgrade, we'll have your gear and cases ready!

Born on the California coast, SANDMARC designs gear for those who live life in motion. For more insights, explore the SANDMARC blog and find us on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok.