Leaker points to iPhone Ultra as bridge to Apple’s foldable iPad
A leaker with a track record of accurate technology predictions has indicated that the iPhone Ultra will act as a crucial field test for the launch of the foldable iPad. The information emerged in a post on Weibo by Digital Chat Station, suggesting that both devices will share the same folding screen technology.
The rumor revives discussions about a product that Apple has been developing for years, but which never got off the ground. The strategy of using the iPhone Ultra as validation of folding technology increases the chances of the iPad reaching the market, although there is still no official confirmation.
Confusão around the foldable device
The foldable iPad has always been surrounded by contradictory speculation about its final form. Nos first reports, information circulated that it would be a MacBook with a malleable keyboard that opens into a giant screen. Outros described it as a traditional iPad with bending capabilities, a view that has recently prevailed among analysts.
Quanto to the dimensions, there was greater convergence. Initial Relatos pointed to sizes between 18 and 20 inches. The latest information has focused on 18.8 inches as the most likely size.
Cronogramas release, however, never had consistency. Forecasts fluctuated at different periods, creating a history of broken promises. Mark Gurman, respected analyst at Bloomberg, threw cold water on the matter last month by suggesting that the project may never reach the consumer.
The challenge of internal priority
Pessoas who worked on the project revealed that the device was a priority for Craig Ternus, senior vice president of software engineering at Apple. Ainda thus describes it as “a crazy experiment that may not see the light of day”.
Learn more: New camera and battery arrive at iPhone 18 Pro Max with high price
Essa statement exposed the reality: Apple invests in prototypes that never reach the shelves. The project remained in a preliminary stage, far from any mass production decision. Muitos analysts interpreted Gurman’s comment as a sign that the product was doomed.
Mesmo faced with uncertainty, the company never formally abandoned the project. Sinais continued to appear in the supply chain, indicating that engineers are still making adjustments and refinements.
iPhone Ultra as technological catalyst
Digital Chat Station claims that the Ultra iPhone will adopt the same folding solution that will be used on the iPad. Fontes from the supply chain consulted indicate that both Apple and competitors work on continuous hinges, eliminating the crease that marks most current foldable devices.
Apple’s logic is pragmatic: developing a technology for a smaller device reduces risks before scaling it to larger formats. The iPhone Ultra would serve as a living laboratory, validating the durability and performance of the foldable screen under real-world conditions.
More on this story: New iPhone 18 Pro and iPad Pro: Apple prepares reveal and pre-sale details for September
See Also
Artificial intelligence reveals signs of solar flares hours before and innovates in alerts
Leila Pereira reinforces support for Abel and the Palmeiras squad before the Libertadores clash
Death of Rossella Diaco: Rai Isoradio presenter reported illness on social media
If the iPhone Ultra works smoothly after months of circulation in the market, Apple would gain confidence to launch the iPad safely. Falhas on the smartphone would mean indefinite postponement of the tablet.
Supply chain current Realidade
Sinais recent supply chain reports from Apple confirm activity around foldable components:
- Fornecedores of optical glass panels received specifications for continuous bending
- Fabricantes hinges work on prototypes with layers of flexible material
- Durability test Laboratórios records opening and closing cycles on an increasing scale
- Engenheiros software optimizes operating systems for adaptive interfaces
Esses indicators suggest that the project is beyond the conceptual phase, although still far from commercial production.
On the same topic: Apple prepares iPhone 18 Pro Max with unprecedented battery, improved camera and high cost
Foldable iPhone Precedente
The iPhone Ultra marks Apple’s first foray into the foldable smartphone market. Samsung dominates this category with the Galaxy Z series Fold, while Motorola and Xiaomi compete with competitive offerings. Microsoft also explores the category with the productivity-focused Surface Duo.
Apple has historically waited for folding technologies to mature before entering the market. Quando finally launches a foldable device, expected to offer significant advantages in durability, cost and user experience.
The iPhone Ultra would represent this entry, validating that folding is essential to the brand’s portfolio. Supostamente released in 2026 or 2027 would predate the foldable iPad by a year or two.
Incerteza persists
Mesmo With Positive Supply Chain Signals, Foldable iPad Remains Speculative. Apple has changed priorities before. Produtos were canceled after significant investments, such as the Apple Car autonomous car, discontinued in 2024.
Digital Chat Station based its analysis on supply chain feedback, not internal documents or official communications. Vazadores is wrong. Tecnologias change. Decisões strategies change. The post on Weibo offers hope to fans of innovation, but it guarantees nothing.
More on this story: Xiaomi’s new affordable tablet gains global certification with 120Hz screen
Oficialmente, Apple has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of the Ultra iPhone or the foldable iPad. The company maintains its traditional stance of secrecy until formal announcements. Enquanto that, analysts, journalists and leakers continue to monitor the supply chain for clues.
