Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be one of the company’s most expensive smartphones yet, with a new TrendForce estimate putting the starting price at around $2,099. Higher-storage versions could reportedly reach $2,299, while the most expensive configuration may cross the $3,000 mark.
The device, currently referred to as the iPhone Ultra, iPhone Fold or iPhone 18 Fold in reports, is expected to be unveiled alongside Apple’s high-end iPhone 18 models at the company’s September 9 event. Apple has not officially confirmed the foldable iPhone’s name, price or specifications yet. you can stay updated by reading this blog Apple September 9 Event Confirmed
How much could Apple’s foldable iPhone cost?
According to TrendForce, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could start at approximately $2,099, with another configuration estimated at around $2,299.
| Expected configuration | Reported price |
|---|---|
| Base foldable iPhone | $2,099 |
| Higher configuration | $2,299 |
| Highest-end version | Potentially $3,000+ |
For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max started at $1,199 in the US, meaning the rumored foldable could cost roughly $900 more at its starting price.
These figures should not be treated as official pricing. Apple has yet to announce the device, and the final price could differ depending on storage, market and configuration.
Why could the iPhone Ultra be so expensive?
The biggest reason is the complexity of building a premium foldable smartphone.
Apple is reportedly working on a book-style design with a large internal OLED display, a smaller external screen and a custom hinge system. Reports also suggest that Apple is trying to reduce the visible crease in the flexible display, an area that has remained a major challenge for foldable-phone manufacturers.
The company would also be entering the foldable market several years after competitors such as Samsung established their Fold series. That means Apple is expected to position its first foldable as an ultra-premium product rather than trying to compete on price.
What display could the foldable iPhone have?
Current reports point to a 5.5-inch outer OLED display and a much larger 7.8-inch internal OLED screen.
The internal display is expected to support ProMotion with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, making it more suitable for multitasking, gaming and video playback when the phone is unfolded.
The large inner screen could also give Apple an opportunity to offer a more tablet-like experience while retaining the portability of a smartphone.
Could the iPhone Ultra use the A20 Pro chip?
Reports suggest the foldable could use Apple's A20 Pro chipset, potentially manufactured using TSMC's 2nm process.
The new chip is expected to bring performance and efficiency improvements, with on-device AI being another potential area of improvement. However, Apple has not yet confirmed the processor or its specifications.
The reported hardware combination would put the foldable firmly in Apple's flagship category.
How much RAM and storage could it have?
The iPhone Ultra is reportedly being tested with 12GB of RAM.
Storage options could be another major factor behind the phone's potential price. Current reports point to configurations ranging from 256GB to 2TB.
| Expected specification | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| RAM | 12GB |
| Base storage | 256GB |
| Other storage options | 512GB, 1TB |
| Maximum storage | 2TB |
| Processor | A20 Pro, reported |
| Inner display | 7.8-inch OLED |
| Outer display | 5.5-inch OLED |
The 2TB model, if launched, could potentially push the price well beyond $2,000 and possibly toward the reported $3,000 territory.
Will the foldable iPhone have Face ID?
Interestingly, reports suggest Apple could drop Face ID from the foldable in favour of Touch ID.
The fingerprint sensor is expected to be integrated into the side button rather than requiring the larger Face ID sensor system used on current iPhones.
This could allow Apple to save internal space in an already complicated foldable design, although it would represent a significant change for flagship iPhone users.
What cameras could the iPhone Ultra have?
The foldable could reportedly use a dual rear-camera system, with both cameras featuring 48-megapixel sensors.
A 24-megapixel front-facing camera has also been reported.
Interestingly, the rumored configuration appears less ambitious than the triple-camera systems found on Apple's Pro Max models. Reports indicate that Apple could be making camera compromises to accommodate the foldable's thin design and internal components.
This means the iPhone Ultra may differentiate itself primarily through its folding display and software experience rather than becoming Apple's ultimate camera phone.
Could Apple solve the foldable screen crease?
The display crease is expected to be one of the biggest talking points around Apple's first foldable.
Reports indicate that Apple has been working toward a much less visible crease, while also developing a sophisticated hinge system. Recent reports have mentioned a liquid-metal hinge design as part of Apple's efforts to improve durability and folding mechanics.
Whether Apple can deliver a genuinely near-invisible crease remains something that cannot be confirmed until the hardware is officially unveiled and reviewed.
When could Apple launch the foldable iPhone?
Apple is expected to unveil the foldable alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9, 2026.
However, the announcement date and actual retail availability may not be the same. Some reports suggest that the foldable could arrive later than the announcement, potentially with limited initial supply.
Apple has not officially confirmed the foldable's launch timing, so buyers should treat the current schedule as reported information.
How does the rumored price compare with Android foldables?
A starting price above $2,000 would put Apple's foldable firmly in the luxury segment.
Samsung, Google and other manufacturers have already spent several generations refining foldable hardware, meaning Apple will enter an increasingly mature market. The challenge for Apple will be convincing consumers that its software integration, hardware design and ecosystem justify the significant premium.
The price could therefore become just as important as the technology itself. If Apple launches the device around $2,099–$2,299, it would be targeting consumers who are willing to pay a substantial premium for an iPhone that can transform into a larger-screen device.
What could make the iPhone Ultra different?
Apple's biggest advantage may not be the foldable hardware itself.
The company can potentially build the device around iOS and Apple's broader ecosystem, giving users access to familiar services and apps while adapting the interface for a much larger unfolded display.
Reports have suggested that the foldable could provide a more iPad-like experience when opened, particularly for multitasking, media consumption and productivity.
That could be Apple's main argument against established Android foldables: not necessarily that it invented the best hinge or display technology, but that it can combine the hardware with tightly integrated software.
Is the $2,000+ iPhone Ultra price confirmed?
No.
The $2,000-plus price is based on reports and analyst/supply-chain estimates, including the latest TrendForce estimate. Apple has not officially announced the foldable iPhone's price.
The same applies to specifications such as the 5.5-inch outer display, 7.8-inch inner display, 12GB RAM, Touch ID and A20 Pro chip. These should be presented as rumored or reported specifications until Apple confirms them.
What does this mean for Indian buyers?
If the reported US pricing is accurate, the Indian price could be substantially higher after taxes, duties, distribution costs and Apple's regional pricing strategy.
A direct conversion of $2,099 is roughly ₹1.98 lakh, but that should not be treated as the expected official India price. The final Indian price can only be confirmed once Apple announces it.
For Indian consumers, the foldable iPhone could therefore sit in an entirely different price category from Apple's regular Pro Max models.
FAQs
How much will Apple's foldable iPhone cost?
Reports suggest the foldable iPhone could start at around $2,099, with some configurations reaching $2,299 or potentially more than $3,000. Apple has not confirmed the price.
What will the foldable iPhone be called?
Reports variously refer to it as the iPhone Ultra, iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Fold. Apple's official name has not yet been confirmed.
When will Apple's first foldable iPhone launch?
Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at its September 9, 2026 event, although its actual availability could come later.
What screen size is expected?
Reports point to a 5.5-inch external OLED display and a 7.8-inch internal OLED display with up to 120Hz ProMotion.