Apple's First Foldable, the iPhone Ultra, Could Cost Twice as Much as an iPhone 17 Pro

Apple is reportedly planning a major shift in its premium smartphone strategy. Industry insiders suggest the tech giant will launch its first foldable device in September. This highly anticipated handset may debut as the iPhone Ultra. It represents the company's boldest hardware design choice in years. The device will target the ultra-premium market.

This launch could happen alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro series. However, the standard iPhone 18 may not arrive at the same time. Reports indicate Apple might delay the entry-level model until the following year. This unusual launch window allows the brand to focus entirely on its most expensive flagship hardware.

Apple's Most Ambitious iPhone Yet Could Also Be Its Most Expensive

Photo Credit: Yogesh Brar

High Price Tag and Premium Positioning

The most striking detail of the latest leak is the expected cost. Well-known tipster Yogesh Brar suggests the foldable phone will cost 2,300 US dollars. For buyers in India, this price converts to roughly 2,20,000 rupees. This price point places the device far above most competing folding phones.

At this price, the iPhone Ultra will compete directly with premium laptops. Consumers will likely compare this massive financial investment to buying a high-end MacBook Pro. Apple appears confident that its loyal user base will pay a high premium for folding technology. This strategy highlights Apple's belief in its ecosystem.

Rumoured Specifications and Internal Hardware

The leaked specifications outline a powerful device. The folding handset will reportedly feature a dual-display design. It will include a primary 7.8-inch folding OLED internal screen. It will also offer a 5.5-inch cover OLED display for quick tasks. Inside, the phone will likely run on Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chipset.

To support heavy multitasking, the device should feature 12 gigabytes of RAM. Sources also suggest a substantial battery capacity. The battery could range from 5,400 milliampere-hours to 5,800 milliampere-hours. This large capacity is necessary to power two high-resolution screens throughout a full day of usage.

For photography, the folding device will rely on a dual-camera system. Rumours point to a 48-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens. For selfies, Apple will likely include 18-megapixel front cameras on both displays. This configuration should offer consistent image quality across all screens.

Apple is entering a highly competitive folding market. Competitors like Samsung and Google already offer mature folding devices. The high price tag means Apple must deliver an exceptional hardware and software experience. Until the official launch event in September, these details remain unconfirmed rumours that require cautious optimism.