Apple’s Foldable Future: iPhone Flip, iPhone Ultra and Beyond

Apple is aggressively exploring new form factors and premium tiers for its iPhone and Mac lineups, with foldable displays and “Ultra” branding taking center stage. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports the company is working on a foldable iPhone, a touch-screen MacBook Pro, and upgraded AirPods Pro, potentially signaling a shift towards more diverse and high-end product offerings.

The Foldable iPhone: Two Approaches

Apple is pursuing two distinct foldable iPhone designs. The first, anticipated to launch in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, will unfold like a book, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 [MacRumors]. This design is expected to feature a large 7.7-inch inner display optimized for video consumption, gaming, and multitasking.

Following this initial foldable offering, Apple is also “exploring” a clamshell-style foldable iPhone, dubbed the “iPhone Flip” [MacRumors]. This would directly compete with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Motorola Razr, prioritizing portability and pocketability. Gurman notes that a clamshell iPhone is “far from guaranteed to reach the market.”

iPhone Ultra: A New Premium Tier?

Apple may introduce an “Ultra” branding for its most advanced devices. A foldable iPhone, potentially called the “iPhone Ultra,” is rumored to carry a starting price of around $2,000 [The Apple Hub]. This suggests a premium price point reflecting the cutting-edge technology and materials used in its construction.

MacBook Ultra: Touchscreen and Top-Tier Specs

The touch-screen MacBook Pro is also likely to receive the “Ultra” designation. Apple currently offers Neo, Air, and Pro laptop lines, and a high-end MacBook Pro with an OLED touch-screen could be positioned as the most expensive and feature-rich model, justifying the “MacBook Ultra” label [Forbes].

AirPods Ultra: Enhanced Features and AI Integration

Upgraded AirPods Pro, potentially branded as “AirPods Ultra,” are also in development. These earbuds are expected to incorporate cameras to capture visuals from the wearer’s surroundings, supporting Siri AI features [Forbes]. They will likely be priced above the current AirPods Pro 3.

Timeline and Market Strategy

Apple appears to be strategically entering the foldable market, betting that the initial success of its book-style foldable iPhone will generate demand for additional form factors. The AirPods update and touch-screen Mac could arrive later in 2026, while the iPhone Fold is expected this fall [Bloomberg].