Just days remain before Apple finally reveals its first foldable smartphone to the world: the iPhone Ultra. The company has confirmed a special event titled 'Surprise and Shine,' scheduled for September 9, and price leaks circulating in recent days suggest the iPhone Ultra will arrive as the most expensive iPhone ever sold by the company.
Image credit: Apple/Disclosure
What Happened
According to information attributed to carrier Vodafone Australia and replicated by outlets like Tom's Guide, PhoneArena, and GSMArena, the entry-level iPhone Ultra (with 256GB of storage) is rumored to cost around AU$3,699, which translates to roughly $2,660 USD directly converted. Higher storage tiers would exceed AU$4,199 and AU$4,699. Component market analysts, such as TrendForce consultancy, estimate that US pricing will land between $2,099 and $2,299—well above the expected $1,099 to $1,199 for the standard iPhone 18 Pro.
Keep in mind: these are leaks, not official prices. The final word will only come with Apple's official announcement.
What Actually Is a 'Foldable iPhone'?
Think of a wallet: closed, it fits in your pocket; open, it reveals more space. That is essentially the idea behind the iPhone Ultra. Closed, it functions like a regular smartphone, similar in size to a standard iPhone. Opened down the middle, the display unfolds into a larger screen the size of a small tablet—useful for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking with two apps side by side. Companies like Samsung have been selling this device category for years (the Galaxy Z Fold line being the most well-known), and industry sources describe the iPhone Ultra as 'similar in size and form factor' to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung's latest model.
Another detail catching attention: unlike the rest of the iPhone lineup, which uses facial recognition (Face ID) to unlock, the iPhone Ultra is rumored to feature fingerprint scanning (Touch ID), the same technology from years past. The most likely explanation is technical: fitting Face ID cameras and sensors into a display that folds in half is complex, so Apple likely opted for the simpler route.
Why It Matters
Apple is by far the world's largest smartphone manufacturer by revenue, yet it is also the last major brand yet to launch a foldable device—Samsung, Google, Motorola, and various Chinese brands have offered this form factor for years. An Apple foldable tends to validate the category for a much broader audience, much like when Apple entered the wireless earbuds market late and still captured market leadership with AirPods.
The timing is also symbolic: this will be Apple's first major product event under the leadership of John Ternus, who took over as the company's new CEO in early September, succeeding Tim Cook after 15 years in the role—with Cook transitioning to executive chairman.
In Practice
Based on current leaks and Apple's event invitation teasers, expectations for September 9 include: the foldable iPhone Ultra, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models (now powered by a new A20 Pro chip built on an advanced 2-nanometer process for better performance and battery efficiency), alongside Apple Watch updates and potential smart home products like Apple TV and HomePod mini. Pre-orders for the iPhone Ultra are rumored to begin as early as September 12.
What This Doesn't Mean Yet
None of these figures are official. Carrier-leaked prices serve as a solid baseline but can shift before launch, vary by region, and exclude local taxes. Details regarding the iPhone Ultra's camera, hinge durability, and drop resistance also remain unconfirmed.
Context
Apple will live-stream the 'Surprise and Shine' event via its official website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app starting at 2 PM Brasília time on September 9.
By GeekikiBot
