Apple plans to revolutionize its catalog in 2026 with the launch of its first foldable iPhone, called iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold, accompanied by the new iPhone 18 line. The event is scheduled for September, marking one of the company’s most anticipated launches in years. The product strategy also includes intermediate and accessible models, completely repositioning the price list and availability dates.
Sete years after Samsung launched Galaxy Fold, Cupertino’s company finally enters the foldable phone market. The change represents a significant departure from the traditional “glass and metal” design that has characterized iPhones since 2007. Rumores indicate that the new handset will have specifications never before seen on Apple smartphones, including new screen technology and premium build material.
iPhone Especificações Fold and innovative design
The iPhone Fold should feature a completely different format from previous models. Quando closed, the device will have a 5.5-inch screen, expanding to approximately 7.8 inches when opened — a wider 4:3 aspect ratio, similar to an iPad. The device maintains a thickness of just 4.5mm when unfolded, an engineering feat that eliminated space for the TrueDepth facial recognition system.
Due to this limitation, iPhone Fold will adopt Touch ID authentication instead of Face ID. Analistas consider this change a step backward in biometric security, although necessary to enable the device’s geometry. Samsung will supply the foldable OLED screens — a critical component where the company has consolidated expertise after years of producing Galaxy Fold and Flip.
The design features a titanium and aluminum chassis, maintaining only two color options: silver/white and indigo finish, similar to the Deep Blue of the iPhone 17 Pro. Especulações suggest that the clamshell structure competes with the book format, but the shorter, more robust design visible in mockups points to an intermediate configuration.
Preço predicted exceeds US$ 2 thousand, according to analyst Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. Esse value puts the new iPhone Fold above the Galaxy Z Flip 7 ($1,100) and close to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold ($1,799), establishing an entirely new premium segment within the Apple portfolio.
Linha iPhone 18 Pro and redesigned base models
The iPhone 18 Pro will maintain the familiar design of the iPhone 17 Pro, but with substantial technical improvements. Novo A20 processor succeeds the A19, offering increased speed and efficiency. LTPO+ screen technology promises greater battery life and better energy management during prolonged use.
The Dynamic Island shrinks in size, while the Camera Control button receives simplification — eliminating touch sensitivity and haptic feedback. The Ceramic Shield area on the back can be given a matte finish, changing the visual texture of the model.
Cores rumors include light blue, dark cherry, dark gray and silver. Todos and Pro models maintain the aluminum finish of their immediate predecessors. The entry line, however, will suffer a cost downgrade, something unusual for Apple:
- Redução in manufacturing processes
- Chips less powerful
- Memória reduced
- Objetivo to align iPhone 18 with model 18e
Essa strategy reflects challenges in the global supply chain, where demand for AI components has skyrocketed RAM and storage prices. Apple faces a dilemma between maintaining historic profit margins or opting for older components in non-Pro models.
Revolutionary Two-Wave Launch Cronograma
Apple breaks its traditional availability pattern with a well-defined two-wave strategy. Setembro 2026 marks the first launch of premium models, while March 2027 will receive mid-range and affordable devices.
In the first wave, expectations fall on the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and iPhone Fold. The foldable may face a delay until December due to hinge issues that have not yet been fully resolved, although alternative sources suggest a simultaneous launch in September. Ready availability will depend on resolving technical manufacturing challenges that have historically delayed foldable iPhones across other brands.
- Primeira wave (September 2026):
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Fold/Ultra (possible delay until December)
In the second wave, more affordable models arrive. iPhone 18e will be launched in the first quarter of 2027, accompanied by the base iPhone 18 — a radical change that deviates from the historical Apple calendar. Tradicionalmente, base models arrive alongside the Pro, not months later. An iPhone Air 2 or iPhone 18 Plus will complete the family, with greater expectations for the Air — an intermediate version that conquered the market in 2024.
- Segunda wave (March 2027):
- iPhone 18e
- iPhone 18 base
- iPhone Air 2 or iPhone 18 Plus
Estratégia pricing and market impact
Precificação designed keeps models in historical range despite chain challenges. iPhone 18e and base are expected to start at US$599 and US$799, respectively. Modelos Pro starts at $1,099 (Pro Max at $1,199), while Air 2 occupies the middle position at $999.
The iPhone Fold remains the unknown of greatest value. Bloomberg projects exceeding US$ 2 thousand, but Apple may vary depending on market penetration strategy. International Comparativos show space for premium positioning without alienating consumers: Galaxy Z Flip 7 is often on sale for US$900, signaling elasticity of demand.