Apple’s first foldable iPhone could break the $2,000 barrier

Apple is preparing to unveil its first foldable iPhone, a long-awaited device that could combine a conventional outer display with a larger screen that unfolds like a book — but its cutting-edge design may come with a record price tag.

The device, widely rumoured to be called the iPhone Ultra, is expected to be introduced at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9, alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro, The Independent writes.

Apple has reportedly spent about a decade developing a foldable iPhone, taking longer than rivals such as Samsung and Google to bring the technology to market. The delay has been linked to efforts to improve durability while avoiding compromises in display quality.

The result could be Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet. The foldable model is widely expected to cost more than $2,000, while supplies could be limited because of production challenges and strong demand for high-end chips.

Apple has already warned investors that securing enough components for its iPhone lineup could be difficult. Rising demand from the artificial intelligence industry for advanced chips has put additional pressure on supplies and contributed to higher device costs.

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a new processor, 12GB of RAM, Apple’s C2 battery-saving technology and a larger battery. However, its slim folding design could require compromises, including Touch ID instead of Face ID and the removal of the telephoto camera used in Pro models.

Some of the new technologies expected for the foldable model are also reportedly being developed for the iPhone 18 Pro, including an upgraded chip and new camera features.

The folding design will also require changes to Apple’s software. The device would be the company’s first with two main displays, requiring the operating system to switch between them. Early software code reportedly indicates Apple has been developing changes to support the new configuration.

Despite widespread speculation, Apple has not confirmed the device’s name or price. Although the company uses the “Ultra” name for products including its premium Apple Watch and some chips, it could choose a different name for the new iPhone.

The design is also expected to draw heavily on last year’s iPhone Air, which was seen as a test of technologies needed to build an exceptionally thin device.

Apple is reportedly focusing this year’s September launch on its high-end smartphones, with cheaper models potentially receiving updates in the spring.

By Sabina Mammadli