There’s still no folding iPhone release date. In fact, the iPhone Ultra, as it’s rumoured to be called, doesn’t even officially exist, according to Apple. But the rumour mill suggests otherwise, and it’ll likely grace our list of the best foldable phones in the relatively near future.
As for what it could look like? Well, we have a better idea now, thanks to YouTuber Vadim Yuryev (via MacRumors), who shows off an iPhone Ultra mock-up that reveals a book-style folding device that, when opened, lands much closer to iPad mini territory than a traditional iPhone.
The inner display is said to measure around 7.8 inches with a 4:3 aspect ratio – just shy of the iPad Mini’s 8.3-inch screen. That squarer layout could make apps, video, and games feel more at home than on the tall, narrow displays we’re used to on today’s iPhones.
Closed, though, things get a bit more divisive. Most rumours point to a 5.5-inch outer display, while other reports suggest that it could be slightly smaller at 5.3 inches. Either way, that puts it closer to the iPhone 13 Mini than any recent full-size iPhone, which might take some getting used to – especially if you’ve got bigger hands.
The proportions are also unusual. Compared to an iPhone 17 Pro Max turned sideways, the foldable is roughly the same width, but significantly taller when opened – around 57 per cent taller, according to the dummy measurements. That extra vertical space could make a noticeable difference for widescreen videos and games that rely on on-screen controls.
Around the sides, there are more hints that Apple’s doing things differently here. The dummy shows a Touch ID power button instead of Face ID, likely due to space constraints, alongside a dedicated camera control button – something Apple appears to be positioning as a way to adjust settings or shoot one-handed without shifting your grip.
Then there’s the camera. Rather than the full-width bar seen on recent Pro models, this design uses a smaller raised plateau housing just two lenses. That aligns with current expectations, suggesting this foldable may prioritise its form factor over packing in a full triple-camera setup.
Thickness is still up in the air. The dummy comes in at around 11mm when folded, while other rumours suggest Apple is aiming closer to 9–9.5mm. If those slimmer estimates prove accurate – and if the device really does come in at roughly 4.5mm when unfolded, as some leaks claim – it could end up being Apple’s thinnest device yet.
As for when it actually arrives, that’s still murky. Current speculation points to a September launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro range, but nothing’s locked in – and with Apple, timing can shift if the hardware isn’t quite ready…
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